HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2011-05-25 Amended vc NSgly q MINUTES (Amended)
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REGULAR MEETING
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING
COMMUNITY ROOM
33 ARROYO DRIVE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2011
CALL TO ORDER: TIME: 7:00 P.M.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers Addiego
Gonzalez and Matsumoto, Vice Mayor
Garbarino and Mayor Mullin.
ABSENT: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Mullin.
PRESENTATIONS
• Certificate of Recognition presented to Matteo Lopez for being selected as the
National Winner in the Doodle 4 Google Contest.
Mayor Mullin introduced Doodle for Google Winner, Matteo Lopez, a South San
Francisco student at Monte Verde Elementary School. A clip of Matteo's appearance on
the Today Show was then played. Mayor Mullin explained that Matteo's entry was
selected as the best of over 107,000 entrants.
Matteo and his mother addressed Council and the public. Ms. Lopez thanked the
community and the School District for supporting her son. Council then presented Matteo
with the Key to the City.
• Police Service Awards.
Chief of Police Massoni presented service awards to citizens and Police Officers who had
earned accolades for their performance in the community and for assistance with rescue
and emergency response efforts during the September 9, 2010 gas explosion in San Bruno.
The following individuals were recognized for the honors specified:
Medal of Valor for actions related to the 9.9.2010 San Bruno Explosion/Fire:
Lieutenant Ron Carlino
Sergeant Mike Toscano
Corporal Dave Kennan
Certificate of Meritorious Conduct for actions related to the 9.9.2010 San Bruno
Explosion/Fire:
Officer Daniel Avictia
Officer Rich Daly
Officer Robby Chon
Officer Chris Devan
Officer Jason Fukushima
Officer Jeff Lee
Officer Jason Pfarr
Corporal Mike Garcia
Corporal Tony Bordigon
Corporal Ken Chetcuti
Certificate of Commendation for actions related to the 9.9.2010 San Bruno Explosion/Fire:
Lieutenant Jon Kailas
Lieutenant Mike Remedios
Certificate of Exemplary Action for actions related to the 9.9.2010 San Bruno
Explosion/Fire:
Officer Jorge Alfaro
Officer Mindy Lopez
Officer Fahmida Murphy
Dispatcher Susan Gallucci
Dispatcher Karen Whitley
Dispatcher Gina Winter
Certificate of Meritorious Conduct related to a robbery incident:
Corporal Mike Garcia
Certificate of Recognition for Civilian saving a life:
David Basquez
Certificate of Meritorious Conduct for attempting to save 2 drowning victims:
Officer Keawe Sham
Officer Ed Markey
Council congratulated recipients on their accomplishments.
• Certificates of Recognition presented to Peninsula Council of Lions Award
Recipients.
Battalion Chief Magallanes and Chief of Police Massoni explained the Peninsula Council
of Lions Awards had been bestowed upon several South San Francisco Public Safety
employees this year. Firefighter Paramedics Ronald Avelar and Alan Davis received the
Valor Award for heroic actions that helped save the life of an elderly woman during the
San Bruno Fire on September 9, 2011; Fire Apparatus Engineer Brian Golden, Fire Captain
Brian Metcho and Fire Captain Arthur Mosqueda received the Area Wild Fire Service
Award for their efforts with the Junior Firefighter Academy; and Police Lieutenant Keith
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MINUTES - 2 -
Wall received the Service Award for securing several thousand dollars in grant funding
from the Office of Traffic Safety, enabling the Police Department to purchase a DUI and
Tactical Command Center Trailer as well as radar and lidar equipment to enhance traffic
safety in South San Francisco.
Council presented Certificates of Recognition to the men for their accomplishments.
• Recognition of Historic Preservation Commissioners.
Members of the outgoing Historic Preservation Commission were recognized for their
years of service. Jeannette Holt and Jeanette Acosta were present to accept Certificates of
Recognition from Mayor Mullin.
• Energy Upgrade California in San Mateo County, presented by Douglas Alfaro and
Napallo Gomez - Somer.
Douglas Alfaro and Napallo Gomez -Somer presented a PowerPoint introducing Energy
Upgrade California, a new statewide energy efficiency incentive program offered through
the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Energy Commission. The
program consists of two Upgrade Packages: Basic and Advanced. These packages provide
straightforward options that qualify for rebates. The program's Basic Upgrade Package
consists of seven required measures with rebates and incentives of up to $1,000. The
program's Advanced Upgrade Package requires a combination of customized energy
efficiency elements that achieve at least 15% to 40% in energy savings. Depending on
energy savings, residents could receive from $1,500 to more than $4,000. To participate in
the Advanced Package, homeowners need to receive a diagnostic energy assessment from a
participating contractor.
AGENDA REVIEW
City Manager Nagel advised items number 11 and 14 were being removed from the
agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Cytokinetics employee Renee Coleman advised that the Company had given all employees
from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on a given day during the week to help clean up Colma
Creek. She asked whether the Company's efforts would be in vain and whether the City
had a plan to clean up the Creek on a permanent basis.
Director of Public Works White advised the Community Preservation Task Force and other
clean ups had taken place at the Creek throughout the year. He further advised the State
Water Board listed the relevant section of Colma Creek as part of a 303B program and that
the City was meeting these requirements.
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Mayor Mullin advised that the voluntary single use bag program might help clear up some
of the plastic bag issues that were out of the City's control with respect to bags finding
their way into the creek.
Councilman Addiego thanked Ms. Coleman for her efforts and concern about the Creek.
Resident Mike Harris advised of overgrowth and crime occurring near the Alta Loma
Steps. He requested that the area be cleaned up and patrolled more heavily.
ITEMS FROM COUNCIL
• Announcements.
• Committee Reports.
Councilmembers reported on attendance at community meetings and events, including the
League of California Cities' Legislative Days in Sacramento. Staff members Susan
Kennedy, Angela Bernal Silva and others were thanked for their assistance with the State
of the City Presentation. Announcements were made regarding the upcoming Memorial
Day Event, a June 3 Neighborhood Watch Meeting in Westborough and the Boys & Girls
Club /PAL Steak Dinner on June 16th. Specific items for further action and /or
consideration were set forth as follows:
Councilwoman Matsumoto requested that a Moratorium on Smoke Shops be placed on an
upcoming agenda.
Vice Mayor Garbarino requested that the meeting be adjourned in honor of Richard
Solomon.
Upon inquiry by Mayor Mullin, Council agreed to cancel the first meeting in August to
accommodate the lighter summer schedule. The item would be brought for action at
Council's next regular meeting.
• Letter to California Redistricting Commission.
Given the significance of the issue, Council agreed to sign on to letters pertaining to
redistricting and specifically to advocate against the redrawing of district lines that would
split the City.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Motion to approve the minutes of March 2, 2011 and May 11, 2011.
2. Motion to approve expense claims of May 25, 2011.
3. Motion to waive reading and adopt an Ordinance No 1440 -2011 repealing Chapter
2.58 and amending Chapter 2.56 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code to
transfer the role and responsibilities of the Historic Preservation Commission to the
Planning Commission.
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4. Resolution No. 58 -2011 approving the third amendment to the agreement for Animal
Control and Shelter Services with the County of San Mateo.
5. Resolution No. 59 -2011 authorizing the acceptance of $12,249 in grant funding and
donations to support the Library's Summer Reading Club, Reader Leader program,
and funding for the children's book collections and amending the Library
Department's 2010/2011 operating budget.
6. Resolution No 60 -2011 approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the
City of South San Francisco and the International Association of Firefighters, Local
1507 Unit dated July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
7. Resolution No. 61 -2011 approving the compensation plan for the Executive
Management Unit dated July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
8. Resolution No. 62 -2011 approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the
City of South San Francisco and the Confidential Unit, Teamsters Local 856 dated
July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
9. Resolution No 63 -2011 approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the
City of South San Francisco and the South San Francisco Police Association Unit
dated July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
10. Resolution No. 64 -2011 approving the compensation plan for the Public Safety
Managers Unit dated July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
Motion— Vice Mayor Garbarino /Second— Councilwoman Matsumoto: to approve Items
Nos. 1 -3 and 5 -10. Unanimously approved by voice vote.
Item No. 4: Councilman Gonzalez questioned the high cost of the cost of the contract for
Animal Control and Shelter Services.
Councilmembers expressed similar concerns over the cost of the agreement.
City Manager Nagel advised staff had researched the costs of performing the services in-
house and concluded the costs would be more than the contract with the County to perform
the mandated services.
Motion — Vice Mayor Garbarino /Second— Councilman Addiego: to approve Resolution
No. 58 -2011. Approved by the following voice vote: AYES: Councilmembers Matsumoto
and Addiego, Vice Mayor Garbarino and Mayor Mullin. NOES: Councilman Gonzalez.
ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
11. Motion to waive reading and introduce an ordinance amending section 3.12.010 of the
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South San Francisco Municipal Code updating Personnel Position.
Item not heard.
12. Motion to waive reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1441 -2011 prohibiting the
establishment of medical marijuana facilities within City limits.
Motion — Vice Mayor Garbarino /Second Councilman Addiego: to waive reading of the
ordinance beyond the title. Motion approved by the following roll call vote: AYES:
Councilmembers Addiego, Matsumoto and Gonzalez, Vice Mayor Garbarino and Mayor
Mullin. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
Motion — Vice Mayor Garbarino /Second Councilman Gonzalez: to Ordinance: to adopt
Ordinance No. 1441 -2011 prohibiting the establishment of medical marijuana facilities
within City limits. Motion approved by the following roll call vote: AYES: Councilman
Gonzalez, Vice Mayor Garbarino and Mayor Mullin. NOES: Councilmembers Addiego
and Matsumoto. ABSTAIN: None. ABSENT: None.
Recess: 8:28 p.m.
Meeting resumed: 8:37 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
13. Project: El Camino Real /Chestnut Area Plan - General Plan Amendment, Rezone,
Zoning Text Amendment, and Area Plan. Consultant: Dyett & Bhatia, Urban and
Regional Planners Case Nos.: Case Nos.: P08 -0077: EIR11 -0001, GPA11 -0002,
RZ11 -0002, ZA11 -0004 & SP08 -0001 Location: The Planning Area encompasses
approximately 98 acres along El Camino Real, north to south from Southwood Drive
to just north of Sequoia Avenue and, west to east from El Camino Real to Mission
Road. 1. Planning Commission recommendation that the City Council Adopt
findings and certify the Environmental Impact Report (EIR11- 0001), including
adoption of the Statement of Overriding Considerations for the El Camino
Real /Chestnut Avenue Area Plan; and 2. Planning Commission recommendation that
the City Council approve the El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Area Plan, including
Design Standards and Guidelines (SP08- 0001), and the related General Plan
Amendment (GPA11-0002), Rezone (RZ11-0002), and Zoning Text Amendment
ZA11 -004), to collectively allow and establish regulations for mixed- use
development in the El Camino Real /Chestnut Avenue Planning Area.
Public Hearing opened at 8:39 p.m.
Mayor Mullin explained he would be abstaining from any discussion relating to the Kaiser
Hospital properties as he retained a family trust interest in a parcel of affected property.
Attorney Mattas stated it was advisable to have staff present the entire staff report and
continue with a bifurcated discussion of the Kaiser properties with Councilman Mullin
absent from the Dais and remaining in the back of the room. The Mayor could then rejoin
Council on the Dais for discussion and commentary on the remainder of the subject
property.
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Councilman Addiego also left the Dais until staff confirmed his family -owned property
was not within the specified radius of affected property.
Economic and Community Development Coordinator Mike Lappen presented the staff
report summarizing the General Plan amendment and Zoning changes. The El Camino
Real /Chestnut Area Plan builds on all of the earlier planning efforts that occurred since the
adoption of the 1999 General Plan. The Area Plan envisions a new neighborhood for
approximately 4,600 residents housed in low- to high -rise buildings. The Plan would
provide a range of commercial uses, walking access to everyday amenities, new civic uses,
potentially including a new City Library and parks, plazas, and gathering spaces for the
entire South San Francisco Community. It is expected to result in 369,400 square feet of
new retail /services development, 73,000 square feet of office space, a new 50,000 square
foot library, and over 1,200 new housing units.
Coordinator Lappen further explained that since the adoption of the South San Francisco
General Plan in 1999, the El Camino Real Corridor has been the subject of much study,
planning efforts and policy direction, including: the South San Francisco Transit Village
Plan in 2001, the El Camino Real Master Plan in 2006, the El Camino Corridor Priority
Development Area in 2007, the Grand Boulevard Initiative, and the South El Camino Real
General Plan Amendment in 2010. The City has received several awards for implementing
these initiatives. Since 2008, the consultant teams worked closely with City staff to create
a collaborative process with City officials, developers, property owners, regional agencies,
and residents. At various stages of the review process, staff notified property owners and
residents. For all study sessions and public meetings, notices were sent to approximately
2,800 residents and property owners.
He further noted that during Planning Commission public hearings held on April 7th and
May 5th, public comments focused on four (4) broad concerns: lack of market demand for
mixed -use projects, impact on existing property owners, uses, small businesses, concern
regarding increased traffic and concern that additional residential development would have
a negative impact on the schools.
Kaiser Marsten, who performed the economic analysis, was present to answer questions
regarding any issues. Coordinator Lappen reiterated the plan would look out towards a 20
year horizon and would not involve immediate change during the biggest recession since
the Great Depression. Further, concern for existing buildings and businesses should be
quelled as they would be treated as conforming uses and no existing entities would be
zoned out.
Councilwoman Matsumoto asked if the property purchased by Kaiser, the Broadmoor
Lumber and Hotel, would be subject to the new guidelines.
Coordinator Lappen explained when Kaiser planned to expand, it would have to present a
plan to the City.
Councilman Addiego stated Kaiser's place on the El Camino was well known. He saw
Kaiser as an incredible resource for both current and future residents of the community. He
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believed Kaiser conveyed the clear message that it could move anywhere, and he hoped it
would remain in South San Francisco.
Councilwoman Matsumoto hoped Kaiser's plans to build a new hospital to meet seismic
standards would be akin to the newly designed Mills Peninsula Hospital.
Vice Mayor Garbarino stated the loss of Kaiser would be a major blow to the community.
Director Van Duyn clarified nothing in the proposed plan would prohibit Kaiser from
meeting its 2030 rebuilding objectives.
Coordinator Lappen referred to a letter from Kaiser included in the packet. It
summarized that Kaiser had understood and did not object to what the City was doing and
in fact that it was appreciative of the increased FAR on the existing sight.
Melinda Hue of Dyett and Bhatia reviewed the draft plan highlights.
Resident Michael Harris reported learning about the plan at the end of last week. Speaking
for another resident on Alta Loma, Henry Christoferson, he noted concern over an
obstructed view due to the height of the buildings. His preference was to see nothing
above 40 feet. He was for extending Oak Avenue and Grand Avenue but was not pleased
with the rest of the plan. He also mentioned anger from another resident, Chris Tentes, on
the potential for an obstructed view from Alta Loma.
David Collins disagreed with the extent of the public noticing, stating he had just learned
about the plan last week. He disagreed with the plan and felt the impact would be
detrimental on current residents in terms of traffic, noting the persistent traffic since the
development of Terra Bay and Chestnut Estates which had yet to be addressed.
Corey David expressed concern over the City's potential reaction to what he characterized
as Kaiser's "extortion."
Attorney Mattas noted Coordinator Lappen had put together a set of slides relevant to the
specifics of the Kaiser parcels. Mr. Lappen reviewed the slides highlighting the following:
Existing General Plan: Kaiser Hospital parcel "C Office (FAR 2.5), former motel parcel - C
mixed high density residential and commercial (FAR 1.0 "C 2.5),
General Plan Amendment: Kaiser Hospital parcel "C El Camino North, Medium Intensity
(FAR 1.5 to 2.5) & High Intensity (FAR 2.0 up to 3.0), former motel parcel - C El Camino
North, High Intensity (FAR 2.0 up to 3.0), Existing Zoning for: Kaiser Hospital parcel - C
Public /Quasi Public, Former motel parcel - C Transit Village Commercial (TV -C), Zoning
Amendments for: Kaiser Hospital parcel "'C El Camino Real /Chestnut "C Mixed Use,
Medium Intensity (ECR/C -MXM), and former motel parcel "C El Camino Real /Chestnut
"C Mixed Use, High Intensity (ECR/C -MXH). Height specificity of the hospital and motel
parcels were discussed and clarified at between 80 and 120 feet, 80 feet being the current
and 120 feet being considered discretionary.
Councilwoman Matsumoto asked as a point of reference how high the Mid - Peninsula
project was next to South San Francisco High School. The response was approximately 70
feet. Councilman Addiego couldn't envision approving another 4 or 5 stories on that
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building today. While he appreciated the vision of the planners, he also understood what
the community was afraid of. Councilwoman Matsumoto felt that the City had an
opportunity to be competitive. People want amenities, stores and restaurants that density
permits.
Councilman Addiego requested to see how the Kaiser development would impact the Buri
Buri view corridor towards San Bruno Mountain, Sign Hill, etc.
Vice Mayor Garbarino asked whether more renderings could be provided.
Director Van Duyn stated more renderings could be developed. He went on to say Kaiser
had certain floor plans, but until an application was filed, the specifics would be unknown.
It had been communicated, however, that Kaiser preferred to build up rather than out.
Before any approval, however, a discretionary review would need to be done.
Councilman Gonzalez stated aerial pictures from different angles of the City would be
beneficial. He expressed excitement for the vision of the Grand Boulevard. He believed
there was room for further discussion.
Vice Mayor Garbarino believed some version of what was presented was going to come to
fruition. He further agreed with Councilwoman Matsumoto's point that the City needs
more housing if it desired revenue from businesses and employers. He wanted to see
something more representative of what the community would look like with the new
buildings.
As Council had concluded taking comment on and discussing the portion of the item
related to the Kaiser Hospital property, Councilman Mullin rejoined Council on the Dais.
Resident David Brian expressed concern over the increase of vehicle and pedestrian traffic
although he agreed with the concept of a mixed -use area. His main concern pertained to
the impact of 8000 new cars in South San Francisco.
Steven Vizzimi has resided within 200 feet from the plan area for over nine (9) years. He
expressed concern over existing issues that should be addressed prior to plan approval,
specifically traffic, parking generally, and parking at public meetings at the Municipal
Services Building specifically, and speeding. He quoted the plan's traffic study to support
his concerns. His last concern was the gas pipeline under Antoinette Lane.
Linda Grech was called to speak, but was no longer present.
Larry Casey expressed concern relating to the plan's impact on Gunther's Restaurant. He
felt it would be advisable for Gunther's to be grandfathered into whatever the plan turns
out to be.
Ed Johnson, Mission Road resident, was concerned about the height of buildings blocking
potentially blocking the sunlight from his residence. He appreciated the comments made
by Councilmembers Gonzalez and Addiego regarding looking at the structures from other
angles. Aside from the sun issue, parking has been an issue and increased parking was
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needed. He felt the new development would not increase property values, but rather cause
them to decrease.
Cory David has lived in South San Francisco for 54 years and resides at 220 Arroyo Drive,
beyond the 500 foot perimeter of notification. He felt the City's attempt at notification was
a dismal failure, noting that none of his neighbors had heard anything about the meeting
and or plan. He felt he had not been given a say and deserved one. He felt the project
should be placed on moratorium and started over from the beginning.
Councilwoman Matsumoto took exception to Mr. David's characterization of the noticing
and outreach conducted by the City. Mayor Mullin asked Mr. Lappen to clarify the
location and types of outreach that had been conducted.
Mr. Lappen explained the steps taken for outreach which included: noticing for a 500 foot
radius from the outside border of the project area, courtesy mailings to affected residents
and community meetings which were attended by a large number of residents from the Buri
Buri and Sunshine Gardens community.
Mayor Mullin assured Mr. David the publication and noticing requirements were
conducted properly and adequately by the City Clerk.
Dr. Charles Bona owned a business located at 1131 Mission Road for 50 years. He stated
the vast majority of the 98 acre development had laid fallow for many years and personally,
he found it exciting to visualize through the general plan this new geographic center for the
City. He felt the planners and City had been extremely conscientious towards the
perspective of current property owners and residents of the City and had put forth a
creative and balanced approach towards development. His only fear was that he would not
be able to see its completion.
Lonnie Soptko warned that if Kaiser had to temporarily shut down and relocate during
construction, the City was in danger of losing them for good. He complained about the
potential for the increase in traffic on Westborough and implored Council to do something
about it before pushing the project about. Lastly, he stated he would openly campaign
against any Councilmember seeking reelection who supported this project should his
quality of life not improve.
Ana Mozzetti read a letter from residents who had to leave due to the length of the meeting,
which summarized further opposition to the plan. The group felt there was no shame in
South San Francisco remaining a small community and felt the vision imagined in this plan
was wrong for South San Francisco. Ms. Mozzetti added her own feelings and wanted to
know how the resident population within the new buildings would be limited and noted the
irony she saw in honoring Historic Preservation at the same meeting where this plan was
being brought forward.
Public Hearing closed: 10:27 p.m.
Vice Mayor Garbarino repeated that some version of the plan would come to fruition, but
he preferred to see more renderings prior to taking action.
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Councilwoman Matsumoto requested clarification with respect to certain of the particular
zoning items raised in the proposal.
Mayor Mullin stated he heard concern and opposition to perceived massing of
development. He stated more street level views might alleviate some of these concerns.
Such maps of the entire footprint would be beneficial to Council's determination. He then
reviewed the numerous opportunities for development and progress that the plan would
bring to the City, including a new library, public spaces, an open plaza, gathering spaces
and other dynamic uses in the heart of our community. He further noted the plan actually
called for minimized transportation impacts as it was located near BART and other forms
of public transportation.
Council continued the public hearing to its regular meeting of July 27, 2011.
14. Resolution approving new job classification, description, unit designation and salary
schedule.
Item not heard.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Councilwoman Matsumoto discussed issue pertaining to Regional Transportation Board
seats that would be up for appointment soon.
Councilman Addiego spoke on the issue of the County Supervisorial seat affecting a
portion of South San Francisco. He noted the potential inequities flowing from the fact that
the City is divided into two districts and that one of the district seats is not necessarily
entirely representative of the north end of the County.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business, Mayor Mullin adjourned the meeting at 10:56 p.m. in honor of
Richard Solomon.
Submitted P : App ed: a
. ' to oy rt inel , 1 y Clerk K vin Mullin, Mayor
City . oiuth San ncisco City of South San Francisco
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