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CALL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL:
MINUTES
CITY C~~JINCIY
CITY OF SOUTI~ SAN FR_A'`~CISCO
REGULAR l~lEETIl~TG
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BI~ILDIivG
COMMUNITY ROOM
33 ARROYO DRIVE
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2009
7:00 P.M.
Present: Councilmen Garbarino, Gonzalez
and :Nhullin, Vice Mayor Addiego,
and :Mayor Matsumoto.
Absent: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Before the presentations, Mayor Matsumoto announced that: the meeting would be
adjourned in memory of; Jean Altizio, an active 35- year member of the South San
Francisco Women's Club and Friends of the Library; Giulia Sodini, a Lucca, Italy native
and local businessman; and Steven Hart, twenty-two year old Community Service Officer
with the San Bruno Police Department and son of Gregory 1-la.rt former South San
Francisco Police Department Sergeant and Peggy Hart retirf;d South San Francisco Police
evidence technician.
PRESENTATIONS
• State Budget Update presented by State Senator Lel~~nd Yee.
Senator Leland Yee stated there was not much distinct good. news in the State of California.
Budget problems were extremely severe and were projected tc- continue for the next 2 (two)
years. Recently, the budget was cut by $26 billion and included state borrowing from local
government under Proposition lA. Senator Yee continues to work on a bill with the
Governor to restore money to domestic violence and shelter programs which saw huge
cuts. He further stated there was an anticipated shortfall when the budget is re-opened in
January 2010.
Additional problems faced by the state included; several. pol:eritial lawsuits over cuts and
Proposition 1 A borrowing and a possible shortfall in tax collecting. The Governor had
called for a Special Session to discuss education and taxes. Though it may seem bleak
now, there were good indications that recovery would happen„ The Bay Area, in particular,
had a r_umber of variables that helped move it in that direction and was expected to recover
a bit faster than other portions of the state. Senator Yee thanked the Council for their time
and support.
Councilman 1Viullin thanked Senator Yee for his presentation and attentiveness to the
concenis of local government. He mentioned t'rie tux Commission, Parsky-Keeley gild
asked the Senator for his analysis on trieir recommendations and whether or rot ally of the
ideas would have any resonance :~~ith tree legislation.
Senator Yee stated he did not think there was one idea that haci more traction than the
others. He further noted it was important to realize the nature of cur economy had changed
from production to more of a service economy.
Councilman Gonzalez noted term limits and inexperience may be some of the reasons for
the problems, opining that a six (6) year term limit was not c;nough to become fully
educated on the issues. He asked Senator Yee if he saw any changes in that aspect which
might help to prevent such problems.
Senator Yee replied he believes there will probably be a ballot measure in the 2010 election
cycle that is going to try to look at reforming term limits increasing them to a total of
fourteen (14) years that could be split between the Senate and the Assembly or could be
spent in one area exclusively.
Councilman Garbarino asked if the sales tax was within the nc~w commission, or on the
legislative floors, and if Senator Yee saw any anticipated discussion on expanding or
increasing the sales tax.
Senator Yee replied more of that type of discussion would be embodied in the Parsky-
Keeley Commission Report. There had been an indication t:he;re was a need to look at
readjusting taxation to fit this particular economy.
Vice Mayor Addiego thanked Senator Yee for attending the meeting and update. He
further stated that Senator Yee represents 10 cities in the county and San Francisco, and
appreciates Senator Yee staying in touch with South San Francisco.
Senator Yee noted local government should be credited for the fact that the Assembly
failed to pass the taking of the gas tax. The Cities had been :hard and consistent with
Sacramento.
Mayor Matsumoto noted Senator Yee was the only one who voted to protect South San
Francisco's money. The Mayor asked about the borrowing of the City's money and how
the state intended to pay it back.
Senator Yee replied this last round of borrowing was the last time the State could borrow.
They cannot go out into the market and borrow. However, it was not prevented from
borrowing from local governments. When the ballot for Proposition 1 A measure was
passed it provided a provision for the State of California to borrow that local money and
pay it back with interest. The cities must trust they will be ~>aid back.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 2
• Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee ("BPAC;" 1 Information presented by
Engineering Consultant Tracy Scramaglia.
E~~gineerir~g Consultant Tracy Scramaglia introduced herself as Associate Ci~-il Engineer
with the Engineering Division, and Secretary to the Bicycle Pe,destriar~ Advisory
Committee ("BPAC"). She announced a special meeting of the BPAC scheduled for
Monday, Septem'oer 14, 2009 at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Services Building. The purpose of
the Special N~eeting of the BPAC would be to review proposed bicycle improvements and
receive input from the public on its Bicycle Master Plan befi~re going for approval from the
Planning Commission and Council. The plan would allow the City to apply to the State far
bicycle improvements grants as well as identifying shortcomings in the existing bikeways
facilities. Ms. Scramaglia noted if anyone had any information or input, to call her at (650)
829-6652, or e-mail her at tracy.scramagalia(a),ssf.net.
Mayor Matsumoto noted BPAC's success and that South San :Francisco was the only city
to have a Bicycle Master Plan in the General Plan. She saw it as an excellent way in
getting funding and grant monies.
Mayor Matsumoto mentioned Bike to Work Day. She noted out of 27 teams, South San
Francisco's team was the most successful, logging in 1,942 miles over the course of a
month. She congratulated the team/event.
• Safety Presentation by chief of Police Massoni.
Chief of Police Massoni stated the Police Department had recognized a signif icant spike in
crimes, such as robberies, particularly in the Westborough area. He noted during hard
economic times this was often the case and urged citizens to be especially vigilant. Though
the Department was certain that the incidents were just a ternp~orary spike, Chief Massoni
stressed the importance of citizens maintaining an awareness of their surroundings.
T'o deal with the increased crime rate, the Department was flooding the particular areas
with more officers, keeping a high police profile and keeping the community informed with
press releases. He noted citizens may request community mec;tings in which the
Department would be happy to participate in and answer any questions and concerns from
the community. Please contact Officer Elena Dominguez-Brennan at 829-3924 to schedule
a meeting.
Chief Massoni thanked Council for recognizing these needs and allowing the Department
to issue a number of press releases and the hiring of four (4 j n.ew officers. He introduced
Officers O'Connor, Limbada, Amador and Daly to Council. The officers had just
completed the Police Academy, would start the field training program in a couple of weeks
and were looking forward to getting on the streets to help prol:ect the citizens of South San
Francisco.
Mayor Matsumoto noted a call to 911 now goes to local.. dispatch rather than central
dispatch in Vallejo, and the response time will be much quicker.
Chief Massoni stated calls to 911 from a home would show a location. However, calls
from a cell phone would give a general area, so it was important to say where you were
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 3
located when calling from a cell phone. Ir_ either case, both calls would go directly to the
dispatch center in the Police Department.
Councilman Garbai-i~io commented on a community meeting he hosted at his home where
Chief Massoni attended with two officers. The questions the ~;olice received -were
excellent a..d stated those who attended the meeting left satisfied and very confident that
they could call and someone would respond. He urged anyone; interested, to take the
Chief's advice and arrange ±o have a meeting with their neigh~;ors, it was well worth it.
Councilman Gonzalez reiterated the Chief s sentiments and commented on how important
it was for citizens to be aware of their surroundings. He urged. citizens to curb the use of
their cell phones or PDA's while out in order to maintain a sense of awareness.
Chief Massoni concurred with the Councilman and urged citizens to practice the same
caution when pulling into their driveways. If you notice something unusual or are uneasy,
call 911.
Vice Mayor Addiego thanked the Chief and the Police Department for staying on top of
things.
Mayor Matsumoto asked how many officers had been hired recently including the four
newest.
Chief Massoni stated there were nine (9).
Councilman Mullin thanked Chief Massoni and asked hum how the Department tracked
what crimes took place where. Was there anything that could graphically demonstrate the
breakdown of occurrences?
Chief Massoni replied that the computer aided dispatching system is capable of creating a
map. Parameters could be set, i.e. area mapping with specific borders, the crimes involved
and the times of their occurrences. Reports were generated on a bi-weekly basis for the
benefit of Council. The Department also conducts what are called directive patrols,
meaning that a focus is put on a specific area of town that receives a large amount of calls.
These were some of the actions taken by the Department when the spike was seen.
C)n an unrelated topic, Councilman Mullin noted the number of inquiries received about the
red light cameras. He asked Chief Massoni to explain the particulars. For example, what
would happen if someone were stuck in the middle of the intersection or "blocking the
box?"
The Chief responded if the car enters the intersection before; the light turns red, the driver
would not be cited. However, blocking the box was an infraction on its own and a citable
offense. He explained that what triggers the camera is a vehicle entering the intersection
after the light turned red, crossing the crosswalk lines.
Mayor Matsumoto asked about a right turn on red if one comes to a full stop.
Chief Massoni explained, when reviewing the video, the officer would have the discretion
on determining whether or not a violation occurred.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 4
Mayor l~iatsumoto welcomed the new police officers to the South San Francisco Family.
AGENDA REVIEV~J
City Manager Nagel recommended Item Number 11 directly follow the Consent Calendar
in consideration of atterldecs for the item.
PUBLIC COMMENT
iVlark Barrados, President of the South San Francisco Rotary Club invited the Council and.
public to attend its annual fiand raiser, "Guns and Hoses", a basketball game between the
Fire and Police Departments. Proceeds would aid the extremely underfunded departments
of science, arts, music and vocational education programs far the City's two high schools,
South San Francisco High School and El Camino High Schc-ol. There would be a raffle of
ever 20 prizes, including a High Definition flat screen television. Tickets were $10.00 for
adults, $8.00 for students and senior citizens, and children 5 and under were free. To
purchase a ticket for the event please call (650) 829-3952. 1'he event was scheduled for
Friday, September 18, 2009, from 6 to 9 p.m. at South San F~ra.ncisco High School's Gym,
located at 400 B Street.
Collin Post expressed his concern about the red light camera on El Camino and Chestnut
acid noted an incident he was involved in. He claimed the brightness of the light had
burned his retina and caused him to bump into somebody. ~Ie questioned ho~v they could
be enforced without being put to a vote. He urged Council t:o look into the safety of the
lights.
ITEMS FROM COUNCIL
• Announcements.
• Committee Reports.
Councilmembers reported on attendance at community meetings and events, :including a
WETA meeting, Conference Center Authority meeting and CCAG, among others. Council
thanked Information Technology Director, Doug Hollis for the City's new website and Fire
Marshal Da Silva for removing signs hanging on the light posts on Linden, Grand and
Baden Avenues. Specific items for further action and/or consideration were set forth as
follows:
Councilman Gonzalez met with commercial property owners 'to discuss the General Plan
and zoning issues for East of 101. Concern was expressed about the number of empty
commercial properties and the options available for leasing.
Councilman Mullin stated the Hotel Tax ballot measure would be identified as Measure O
on the ballot in November. Together with Councilman Garbarino, Finance Director Jim
Steele and Sky Woodruff from Meyers Nave, an argument was drafted in favor of the
Measure and had. garnered the signatory support of Maria Martinucci, from the Chamber
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 5
of Commerce, Jim McGuire, from Best Western Grosvenor and Mark Nagales, Parks and
Recreation Commissioner.
Vice Mayor Addiego thanked local artist and C~tilturai Arts C'ommissicner Ron Burgess for
taking him on a tour of the ar: studios. After viewing a very active artist colony, he wanted
to aiiiend a previous statement he had made c~::cerning the studios being used as storage
space. He also wanted to reconsider the rate hike and noted a flaw which required a 90-day
notice from a tenant who wished to leave, binding them to the rew rent. He requested the
City Attorney look into the matter.
Mayor Matsumoto reported that on Saturday, September 12th a Disaster Preparedness
Program with North County would take place at South Sin Francisco School unified
District. She encoriraged the public to attend and stated it was an excellent program which
teaches what we can do to help ourselves and neighbors until help arrives.
• `vVelcome Home Echo Company of the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment.
Mayor Matsumoto was excited to announce the homecoming of South San Francisco's
adopted Echo Company on August 22. They were welcomed by family, friends and an
ax salute from the San Bruno and South San Francisco Fire Departments. T'he Mayor
thanked the community and businesses for the comfort' packages they provided. Without
their cooperation it would not have come together.
• Proclamation establishing Childhood Cancer Awareness Week, September 6-13,
2009.
Mayor Matsumoto read the proclamation, proclaiming September 6-13, 2009 as
Childhood Cancer Awareness Week in the City of South Sari Francisco.
• Determination regarding League of California Cities Peninsula Division Executive
Committee Election Slate.
Mayor Matsumoto stated her support for Councilman Garbarino and noted the excellent
job that he has done so far.
Motion -Councilman Gonzalez/Second -Councilman Mullin: to vote for Councilman
Garbarino for San Mateo County Representative. Motion carried.
Council discussed the choices from Santa Clara County but had limited knowledge of
the candidates. Mayor Matsumoto asked for direction from the City Attorney on how
to proceed in selecting a representative from Santa Clare County.
City Attorney Mattas replied if the Council had agreed to vote for the representative
from Saratoga, no further action was needed. If the Mayor has been given authority to
do some further due diligence to make a selection, it would be appropriate for a motion.
Council agreed to support Chuck Page, Mayor of Saratoga.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 6
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.. Motion to approve the minutes of June 18, 2009, Jule ?_4, 2009, July 7, 2009 and July
22, 2009.
2. Motion to confirm the expense claims of Augusi 2v, 2009 in the amount of
$7,800,471.63.
3. Motion to approve the City Hall Chiller Replace.nent Project as complete in
accordance with the plans and specifications.
4. Resolution No. 75-2009 accepting $5,000 in grant funding from the Edwards Family
Fund to support the purchase of books for elementary school age children and
amending the Library Department's 2009/2010 operating budget.
5. Resolution No. 76-2009 authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with
Lamphier-Gregory to prepare and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) i.n conjunction
with the Oyster Point Redevelopment Project.
6. Resolution No. 77-2009 accepting $137,588 from the State of California under the
Office of Traffic Safety -DUI Enforcement and Awareness Program and amending
the Police Department's 2.009/10 operating budget.
Motion -Councilman Garbarino/Second -Vice Mayor Addle€;o: to approve Consent
Calendar Items Nos. 1-4. Unanimously approved by voice vote.
Item No. 5 : Councilman Mullin asked why they had not 'seen the other bids as customary
on previous staff reports. He further questioned whether the City was required to go with
the lowest bidder in this circumstance.
City Planner Kalkin apologized and explained they were all very comparable. She stated
the City was not required to go to the lowest bid on this; they accepted what looked the
most responsive bid.
Mayor Matsumoto stated that as a Council, they would like to have the same criteria, and
consistency on how bids are handled.
Motion -Councilman Mullin/Second -Vice Mayor Addiego: to approve Resolution No.
76-2009. Unanimously approved by voice vote.
Item No. 6: Vice Mayor Addiego asked whether the DUI stakeout operation was targeting
drivers with multiple convictions who also had suspended licenses, and if the police park
outside their houses and wait for them to get into the car. He also questioned what would
happen if someone who had a previous DUI were picked up at one of the stakeouts.
Chief Massoni replied yes, the Department would monitor the individual at home, work or
court to ensure they were not using their vehicle. If caught driving on a suspended license,
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 7
the car would be towed and stored for a minimum of 30 days. Depending on ±he number of
offenses and amount of fines, jail time could be imposed.
Motion -Vice i`/iayor Addiego/Second -Councilman Garbarino: to approve Resolution
N o. 77-200. unanimously approved by voice vote.
PI1BLiC BEARING
7. Waive reading and introduce and adopt as an urgency measure an ordinance of the
City of South San Francisco making findings and extending for a period of ten
months, fifteen days, a development moratorium in a portion of the South El Camino
Real Corridor in order to prevent uses inconsistent with the pending El Camino Real
General Plan Amendment, the Chestnut/El Camino Real Specific Plan, and the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Public Hearing opened: 9:25 p.m.
City Planner Kalkin presented the Staff Report. Last June, staff brought forth for Council's
consideration an urgency ordinance to establish a 45 day moratorium for discretionary land
use entitlements. While significant progress had been made towards finalizing the
planning efforts of the various projects, additional time was needed in order for them to be
concluded. Progress on the projects was reported as follows.: 1) South El Camino General
Plan -the Draft Environmental Impact Report was out fdr public review would likely be
brought to Council for consideration in November; 2) the Zoning Ordinance continued to
work its way through preliminary review with the Planning Commission and would be
ready for Council's review sometime in the first part of ~O1(); 3) El Camino/C'hestnut Area
Specific Plan would be scheduled for a Joint Study Session with the City Council and
Planning Commission in mid September with the hopes of completion the first part of
Summer 2010. Staff recommended Council consider the adoption of an extension of 10
months and 15 days to the current moratorium, bringing it to one (1) year total. This would
ensure that the City's long term planning goals were not frustrated in that short period.
Public Hearing closed: 9:28 p.m.
Vice Mayor Addiego had previously voted against the moratorium. Given the current
economics he was unsure of the viability and felt it may prechzde the development of
housing along the El Camino Corridor for a number of year~~s. He questioned if there was a
way to develop a project that would have the commercial component with the housing to
come at a later date.
Assistant City Manager Van Duyn explained the development agreement gave the ability to
stage the project.
Vice Mayor Addiego asked if the moratorium would stap all t:he discussions with the
potential developer.
City Planner Kalkin stated that the City could work towards processing the application but
could not take any formal action for the length of the moratorium.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 8
City Attorney Mattas added that the Council always had the .authority to withdraw a
moratorium if it wished to do so, and could do so for a portion of the property.. The
purpose of this type of moratorium was to allow a city to be able to fully develop a plan it
was working on without recessariiy having to take action on something That might be
inconsistent with those plans at the time. Council had the ability either to modify the
physical scope of it, the area that was included, or alternatively, to entirely withdraw it.
Councilman Garbarino asked if the moratorium could be terminated if a developer came
with a project Council wanted to consider.
City Attorney Niattas replied that procedurally, the Council would Have to take a separate
step of terminating either in full or in part earlier. Once Council did that, it would be
operating under the existing zoning ordinance,
Councilman Garbarino stated this would give the Council leeway; they were not locked
into the 10 months 15 days period.
City Attorney Mattas replied yes. He explained the government code provision that allows
the City to enter into moratoriums. It provides an opportunity to start with the 45 days and
two possible extensions up to one (1) year or two (2) years. A Public Hearing would be
required before any extension, but the provision would not prevent Council from
terminating the moratorium early it if it wished to.
Motion -Councilman Gonzalez/Second -Councilman Garbarino: to waive reading and
introduce Ordinance No. 1409-2009. Unanimously approved by roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Gonzalez, Garbarino and Mullin, Vice Mayor Addiego and Mayor
Matsumoto. NAYES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
8. Waive reading and introduce an ordinance adding Chapter 6.20 to the South San
Francisco Municipal Code regulating the installation, placement, and maintenance of
newsracks in the City.
City Attorney Mattas presented the Staff Report. The Ordinance had previously been
introduced in June, but staff had since amended provisions to address concerns from
respective purveyors. In doing so, the Ordinance was required to be reintroduced before
adoption. Amendments had been outlined in the staff report. In regard to the fees, Council
adopted a resolution setting the fees to be directly proportional to the best estimate of
administrative costs. Added to the ordinance was a criterion for using historical presence
as atie-breaking factor when there was more than one (I) applicant for a particular space.
In addition, the same criteria would most likely be used to determine the actual periodicals
that could be allowed in the particular news rack banks as well. Attorney Mattas also
reminded Council of the procedure for determining who would receive space if there were
more applicants than spaces available. If the respective groups could not come to a
resolution, the Public Works Director would make the selection upon prioritization based
on the number of times the periodical was published. Staff recommended Council waive
reading and reintroduce the ordinance as amended. If introduced, staff would bring the
item back for adoption at the next meeting.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 9
Councilman Mullin asked how many spaces each rack contained and if there were
publications willing to fill those spaces right now.
Public Works Director, Terry Wiiite stated there were eight (8 j spaces and that, based on
the response so far, he would say yes, there were publications to fill all the spaces.
Councilman Mullin noted the Daily Journal was recently est~~blished as a political record in
the county and further noted its ability to drive foot traffic. fIe questioned whether the
historical presence criteria would negatively impact it.
Director White stated historical presence referred to how long a periodical was at a location
rather than how long it had been in business.
City Attorney Mattas reiterated the prioritization as daily, weelay, then monthly, within the
periodical's category. If there were nine (9) dailies seeking eight (8) slots, then historical
presence would become a factor.
Councilman Gonzalez asked if there was a difference between regular newspapers and
magazines. He noted seeing various newsletters and magazines in the racks at the post
office and asked if the City planned on allowing those publications in the racks.
Director White replied that the City would put in a bank of 8, the publications were only
allowed one (1) spot.
Motion -Councilman Garbarino/Second -Vice Mayor Addiego: to waive reading and re-
introduce Ordinance No. 1407-2009. Unanimously approved by voice vote.
9. Waive reading and introduce an ordinance deleting Chapter 1.25 and amending
Chapter 8.54 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code to add cost recovery
mechanisms for administrative citations and update code enforcement provisions.
Safety Inspector Tom Carney presented the Staff Report which highlighted the amended
Chapter of the municipal code. The amendments made violations a nuisance and
authorized code enforcement officers to issue administrative citations for such violations as
authorized by California Government Code Sections 36901 and 5306914, and Chapter 1.25
of the South San Francisco Municipal Code. The ordinance deleted Chapter 1.25,
Governing Administrative Citations, strengthened its provisions and moved it into Chapter
8.5 for inclusion within the Community Preservation Ordinance. This ensured that sections
dealing with code enforcement were located in one chapter. Adoption of this ordinance
was expected to result in greater cost recovery for City resources expended on
investigations and enforcement of code violations. It would also allow more time for code
enforcement officers to be on the street.
Councilman Mullin understood that cost matters would be a staff function and was fine
with the City Manager making the decisions but questioned whether the volume of cases
that would be brought before Council was expected to increase.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 10
Safety Inspector Carney replied based on past history, he did not expect the case load to
increase. Rather, the ordinance would bring it all together and streamline the process.
Myer Matsumoto saw the advantages of the proposal and hcnx- it zx~ould help to c1_ose a
case and move on. She asked .vhy it currently took so lomg to resolve a case.
Safety inspector Carney explained that even with the foreclosure crisis, Code Enforcement
had kept a handle on it in order to prevent a decline in property values. He explained
opposition to the process was a main reason for the delay in resolutions.
Vice Mayor Addiego asked how many homes were currently in the process of foreclosure.
Safety Inspector Carney stated there were approximately 200 registered homes in the
process. A list of propel ~y owners v~~as maintained and the properties were monitored to
ensure they were being taken care of. He noted that many of the properties were owned by
out of state banks so therefore, it was required that a maintenance person be available to
take action on the same day if necessary.
Motion Vice Mayor Addiego/Second -Councilman Garbarino: to waive reading and
introduce Ordinance No. 1413-2009. Unanimously approved by voice vote.
10. Waive reading and introduce an ordinance amending Chapter 4.20 of the South San
Francisco Municipal Code to exempt federal and state employees on official business
from the transient occupancy tax ("TOT").
Finance Director Steele presented the Staff Report. Council had been given information
and discussed the item previously. Direction was given for staff to come back with a
resolution to amend the Transient Occupancy Tax exempting federal and state government
employees traveling on official business. The resolution. would put South San Francisco in
mostly equal footing with most other cities in the area thereby making sure that the City's
TOT was not uncompetitive. Staff recommended its approval and thought it would have a
negligible if any impact on revenues.
Councilman Gonzalez mentioned federal and state employees must pay with government
credit cards and could not have that privilege when paying with their personal credit card.
Finance Director Steele noted only travel for official business would qualify for the
exemption. Proof of official business would be presented in the form of a government
issued credit card.
Mayor Matsumoto asked if the $2.50 per night room fee was also waived.
Director Steele responded that just the TOT would be waived.
Motion Garbarino/Second -Councilman Gonzalez: to waive reading and introduce
Ordinance No. 1414-2009. Unanimously approved by voice vote.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 11
ADMINISTRTIVE BUSINESS
11. Motion to approve fee for use of Orange Memorial Pool by the South San Francisco
Aquatic Club.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Shar~~n Ranais presented the staff report anti explained ir_
preparing for this year's budget, staff was directed to close the gap by increasing revenues.
Increases had been implemented across the board on a variety of fees. At a Council
meeting in .iuly, the rental fee for the South San Francisco Aquatics Team was pulled and
deferred to this evening for consideration. Director Ranals acknowledged the role the
swim club has had in the City, however, when looking at their hours of usage, it was
discovered the City could be generating $90,000.00 if it wvere offering fee-based programs
at the pool. Operational costs, such a PG&E and routine maintenance, were calculated at
$34 per hour and a reasonable rate of $10.00 per hour was determined for their ease.
Estimating a $500 per month fee divided among the merrnbers would yield approximately
$_5 per month for the member, which seemed affordable. In conclusion, staff was
recommending the $500 per month fee be implemented. Director Ranals stated Recreation
Supervisor Gus Vellis, was available to answer any technical questions.
Resty Refuerzo, a parent representing the swim team, relayed the hardships the fee increase
could have on the families of children in the South San Francisco Aquatic Club. He gave a
breakdown of the. costs involved of having a child in the club including; dues, family fees,
insurance and equipment costs. He noted when the club started, it was fully sponsored and
free. When it became co-sponsored dues were instated to pay for coaching but pool usage
remained free. He understood the need for extra revenue but noted there was also
economic hardship throughout the community. He requested that Council reconsider the
amount of the $5,000 annual fee and to consider alternatives.
Mayor Matsumoto asked if anyone else wanted to turn in a Speaker Card.
Ms. Morehouse relayed the financial hardship that would be created for her if the fee
increase were passed. She currently had three children involved with the club, and while
the fee might not seem like a lot of money for some, it v~ras t:o her. She spoke of her
children's talent for swimming, and of the positivity the .swim club brings to their lives and
to the community at large. She noted the club as one of the only ways her children could
achieve opportunities such as a college education. She asked Council to reconsider the fee
increase and consider the future of these children through recreation because it benefits the
schools, community, and creates positive examples for their peers.
Socorro Tinoco stated raising taxes is not the only answer, expenses must be cut and ways
to save must be found. She requested Council to find a better solution.
Maria Refuerzo gave a brief synopsis of the team's financial history and noted that it
mostly broke even. A fixed amount like $5,000 for the fool would be a great hardship for
the team, especially during times of low enrollment. The. financial strength they had the
past season was based only on unusually high enrollment after Michael Phelps'
performance in the Olympics. Enrollment usually averaged about 72 swimmers over the
past 10 years.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 12
Councilman Garbarino stated that if the money did not came in from swim, it would have
to come from somewhere else another group would be before Council on the same issue.
Director Ranals agreed and noted staff was completely supportive of recreation. However,
other groups, such as ballet, received increases and paid for t:he privilege of` taking classes.
If the Council dose not to implement the fee increase, tl.e'~epartment would riot meet its
revenue target, which was increased by $200,000.
Councilman Gonzalez asked when the program had been t~.-n by the City. He also asked if
the City had looked into whether or not it could run the program in the same way for the
same cost. He asked if perhaps the team could use the pool less in order to be charged less.
Sacrifices from the team needed to be made as well.
Director Ranals replied the City ran the program in 1972.. SY'ie explained that if the City
were to try to cover the full cost of the coaches, fees would have to increase significantly
from what was currently charged. She noted there were other options such as stepping up
the increase or considering a less amount for the first year. Less usage time was also an
option but she was unsure if it would meet the team's needs.
Mayor Matsumoto agreed with Councilman Gonzalez adding that perhaps the coaches
could take a decrease in pay. She relayed the club's budget figures and noted the coaches'
salaries as their biggest expenditure at $97,600. She recommended a give and take in this
regard. With the time used by the club, the City lost $10,800 in revenue during the
summers.
Vice Mayor Addiego understood the importance of being equitable. He noted the valid
points made by the speakers and wanted to consider alternative options for saving $5000,
like doing away with the Parks and Recreation Class Schedules and opting for a postcard
system like the one used by the City of San Mateo.
Councilman Garbarino agreed with the Vice Mayor's sentiments and stated he was
sympathetic to the financial hardships faced by the community.
Councilman Mullin thanked the club members for attending and speaking at the meeting.
He wanted to assure the public that Council did not take raising fees lightly. Given the
amount of time and effort spent by staff analyzing the situation, he was very comfortable
with the increase and felt it was reasonable and he would support it. He hoped the club
could spread that increase across its membership and look at its own fiscal affairs. Lastly,
he thanked all for their participation in the Parks and Recreation program.
Councilman Gonzalez reiterated that he would like to talk to the coaches and see if they
could make some sacrifices for the sake of the members who were present at the meeting.
Councilman Garbarino, acknowledging the hard work done to reach a conclusion on the
budget, asked the club if it could seriously consider cost reducing measures within their
own organization.
Ms. Morehouse stated her opinion that some of the facts given by Director Ranals seemed
misleading. She noted that the team works with Parks end Recreation and shares the pool
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 13
with other swimmers. if the fce ~~~as going to be instated, she felt the team should get the
whole pool. She further challenged Council to explain why it needed extra revenue as she
felt the reasons given already did not justify the fee.
Councilman Garbarino reiterated that he would like to see the club examine its budget in an
effort to reduce expenses.
Mayor Matsumoto took exception to Ms. Morehouse's camme~rts and stated revenue
generated by the City goes to maintaining streets, road improvements and public services.
These decisions were hard and it was not that Council did not care. She voiced concern for
the other programs such as the ballet, where the children derive the same benefits as the
swim team. She stated Council was very cognizant of the issues and was trying to be as
fair and equitable as possible.
Vice Mayor Addiego thanked the speakers for making it difficult for Council. Although he
did not know which way this issue would fall, he stated when Council considered future
budgets he believed they would remember this night and the reality behind the increases.
Ms. Morehouse thanked Council, apologized for any perceived insults and reiterated the
frustrations that her family and all the families of California face due to the economy.
Speakers Resty Refuerzo, Claudia Shehan, Ana Lostaunau a l spoke of the hardships faced
by citizens ,cutting the swim team budget and adjusting the pay for the coaches. Each
gave similar statements as to the financial difficulties that would be faced if the fee was
implemented. Ms. Lostaunau also questioned if the children. taking piano and ballet gave
back to the community the way the children in swim did.
Diana Cheung, Vice President of the club gave supplemental information about the club
including the variety of expenditures not previously discussed. She noted the teams desire
to cooperate but was unsure of how this could be done. She further noted the expense of
the coaches was j ustified as their salaries were already very slim. She suggested maybe
Council and the club could meet to discuss a lower amount ghat was acceptable to both.
Mayor Matsumoto asked if anyone else wanted to speak and whether Council. or staff had
any other questions or comments.
Director Ranals was thankful for the volunteer contributions of the swim team. She also
mentioned the club reported 1.15 members in its financial report, with 63 South San
Francisco residents. According to the numbers reported by the club, they were only seven
members over the 50% resident requirement.
Mayor Matsumoto asked if Council was ready to vote.
Vice Mayor Addiego offered for the Budget Subcommittee to look at the matter further.
Councilman Gonzalez wanted to consider a compromise. He still believed the coaches
should make some sacrifices and suggested they be present at any future discussions.
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Councilman Garbarino stated that there was a Budget Subcommittee meeting coming up
early next month, and he and the Vice Mayor could consider the matter further.
Mayor Matsumoto deferred the item to earliest meeting after ti.e next Budget
Subcommittee meeting v.~ith the hopes of returning with an alternative.
12. Motion to approve response to June 4, 2009 San Mateo County Grand Jury Report
entitled "Reversing the Upward Trajectory of Employee Costs in the Cities of San
1`~~Iateo County".
Human Resources Director, Kathy Mount presented the Staff Report recommending a
motion to approve a response to the San Mateo County Grand Jury Report dated June 4,
2009. Staff reviewed, analyzed and concluded that some of the recommendations had
merit, some were already in place and some were not appropriate for the City. Staff had
prepared a response which generally agreed with most of the recommendations, and
provided details for those areas where the City had already instituted the recommendations,
or had planned to do so. Staff recommended approving the report as attached.
Vice Mayor Addiego mentioned page 21 and asked for background on the table regarding
post employment benefits, noting the City as substantially higher than San Mateo.
Director Mount replied that most. had to do with the retirement medical benefit the City
offers and not all cities offered the same level of benefit. Some were offering either a
defined contribution plan, as opposed to what the City offers, which was 100% coverage
for employees who retire with 5 years of service at age 50.
Vice Mayor Addiego did not agree that the City should "gen.erally agree" with the concept
of contract labor as stated on page 29. He felt it would be more direct and efficient to
manage employees rather than contract labor.
Councilman Mullin also had concerns and wanted to consider softening the language. He
did not think contracting out saved much money. He suggested changing the language to,
"The City generally agrees with these recommendations with the exception of Item B."
Clarity on how the City was not supportive on contract labor was needed. He
recommended sending a policy statement specifying Cohncil's stance.
Councilman Garbarino's experience as a manager showed him how productivity and cost
effectiveness were lowered. He agreed with the idea of tightening up the language.
City Attorney Mattas asked if Council would entertain a motion to approve the letter for
submission with the amendments as suggested.
Motion- Councilman Gonzalez/Second -Councilman Mullin: to approve response with
the amendments as suggested to June 4, 2009 San Mateo County Grand Jury Report
entitled "Reversing the Upward Trajectory of Employee Costs in the Cities of San Mateo
County. Unanimously approved by voice vote.
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MINUTES PAGE I S
COMMUNITY FORUM
Councilman Gonzalez asked if the Council could discuss ~'roposition lA Security Sessions
Program, which the League of California Cities was trying to enact in order for the cities to
recover the money that the state was taking sooner than ~ years from row. Tl~e money
would be collected sooner, through bonds but would not include interest.
City ivlanager Nagel clarified the application process was to begin in September and
thought the first meeting in October would be a proper time to agendize the matter so that
staff would have further information for Council to make an :informed decision.
Councilman Gonzalez noted other cities in the Bay Area and San Mateo County were
discussing how the high speed rail would be going through their cities, underground being
the mast popular at the moment. He wanted to know if Council would like to ager~dize
giving support to the other cities in this matter.
Mayor Matsumoto explained to the Council, when this came about initially, she wanted to
be a regional team player. Somehow the City became erroneously listed as opposed to high
speed rail in the newspapers and that was not her intent. She was merely trying to show
that South San Francisco was listening.
Councilman Garbarino recalled the incident and felt the City was being grouped in with
their issues even though we had none. He also felt pressured by e-mails and phone calls
when he chose not to join the group.
Vice Mayor Addiego had empathy; he had been to the Menlo Park Station and did not
know what the station would de to the community.
Councilman Gonzalez understood Council's concerns arYd would attend only for his own
information.
Mayor Matsumoto asked Councilmember Gonzalez to clarify he was not representing
Council.
Councilman Mullin did not mind if Councilman Gonzalez attended and gathered
information. He believed an underground project on the Peninsula would be cost
prohibitive.
Council was on record in support of high speed rail.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business, Mayor Matsumoto adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m. in honor
of Jean Altizio, Giulio Sodini and Steven Hart.
Submitted by: ,~ ~._.,_.. '1,~ Approved:
c~/t i' Ma or
Krist~ a - Clerk ~~~ ~ Y
~'----City of South San Francisco City of outh Sa rancisco
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING August 26, 2009
MINUTES PAGE 16