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CALL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
REGULAR MEETING
MUNICIPAL SERVICE BUILDING
COMMUNITY ROOM
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007
7:30 P.M.
7:36 P.M.
Present: Councilmembers Addiego, Matsumoto, Fernekes;
Vice Mayor Gonzalez and Mayor Garbarino
Absent: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Mayor Garbarino
INVOCATION: Pastor John Cantley, Grace Covenant Church
PRESENTATIONS
• A presentation of the City of South San Francisco Centennial Celebration was given by Judy
Bush, Chuck Elliott, and Mike Brosnan. Highlights of next years centennial celebration
focused on the Multi-Cultural Celebration on March 29 at the Municipal Services Building
featuring a variety of food and performances reflecting South San Francisco's heritage; a
Youth Art Show; the Historical Society's Victorian Tea; South San Francisco Night at the
Giant's; Picnic in the Park on the 4t~ of July -which will include kid games, salsa-eating
contest; Concert in the Park and various other activities. A dedication of Centennial Way,
the Centennial Clock, Orange Park Recreation Building and a commemorative postage
cancellation stamp from the U.S. postal service will be recognized. Day in the Park will be
held on September 20, 2008 with all regular events and there will be a special Centennial
Cake. The Historical Society will help celebrate the Centennial at their annual dinner on
October 24 by featuring a Vintage Fashion Show at the South San Francisco Conference
Center. Centennial trees, donation bricks and seatwall plaques will be available for
purchase for display on Centennial Way in the plaza. Sponsorships are available in four
categories -Platinum ($15,000) Gold ($10,000) Silver ($3,000) and Bronze ($1,000). The
Centennial Celebration will kick. off on December 31, 2007 with the Centennial Gala.
• Award Presentations to the Fire Prevention Poster Contest Winners were given by Fire
Chief Phil White. Chief White informed Council how the Fire Department went to over 12
schools and made contact with almost 4,000 children explaining how to prevent fires and
more importantly what to do if there is a fire in the home. "Practice Your Escape Plan" was
this year's theme and stressed to children how important it was to know the family's escape
plan. Not only did the Fire Department speak to the children at the assemblies but also
modeled the behavior and actually had the children practice the procedures with an obstacle
course. Stop, drop and roll were emphasized along with Practice Your Escape Plan and to
not be afraid of firefighters while wearing their protective equipment. Winners of the Fire
Prevention Poster Contest were: Kindergarten-Belle Eberle-Ponderosa, 1st Grade-Andrea
Ortega-Sunshine Gardens, Alfredo Perry-Ponderosa, Felicita Orantes-Alvarado-Martin,
Garret Camicia, St. Veronica, Indiana Madden-St. Veronica. 2°d Grade-Maddie Remedios-
Suh-All Souls, Jakarta Nakuru-Los Cerritos, Era Myls Leviste-Spruce, 3`d Grade-Mauricio
Ortega-Sunshine Gardens, Elexi Kourtoglou-Mills Montessori, 4th Grade-Brian Fernandez-
Los Cerritos, Brianna Donio-Bari Buri, Humberto Castillo-Sunshine Gardens, 5th Grade
Mary Joyce Noniscan-Los Cerritos
Recess: 8:00 p.m.
AGENDA REVIEW- No Changes
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Speaker #1: Mark Nagales, representative from Gene Mullin's office invited the public to
attend a town hall meeting on education on Saturday, November 17 from 10-11:30 a.m. at El
Camino High School's Little Theatre. Assemblymember Mullin will highlight the recent
developments in education referencing the 2008 legislature session and what it will mean in
regards to education reform.
ITEMS FROM COUNCIL
Councilman Addiego congratulated Mayor Garbarino on his reelection and welcomed and
congratulated newly elected Councilmember Kevin Mullin. He also congratulated the newly
elected City Clerk, Krista Martinelli-Larson, thanking the other candidates in making the
election a celebration of the democratic process. Councilmember Addiego thanked
Councilmembers Fernekes and Matsumoto for supporting Measures B & C.
Councilwoman Matsumoto thanked the voters for passing Measures B & C. Given the shortfall
forthcoming in 2009/2010 these measures will be very helpful in pre-positioning the City for the
expected economic downfall. She thanked staff for all their hard work in preparation to have
the measures on the ballot; all work and time was pro bono. Councilwoman Matsumoto
commended ajob-well-done for the Halloween Extravaganza and the Senior Boutique events.
She invited the public to Project Read's Trivia Challenge on Friday, November 16. Reporting
out from the BPAC, Council of Cities, CMEC, C/CAG, SamTrans meetings: business as usual.
Councilmember Fernekes also congratulated Mayor Garbarino, Kevin Mullin, and Krista
Martinelli-Larson in their positions after the election. He also thanked staff, Barry Nagel and
Steve Mattas for their help in passing Measures B& C since they would help increase the City's
funds at no cost to residents. Day in the Park meeting was held with great end results from this
year's event and looking forward to wonderful ideas for next year's centennial celebration. He
attended along with Mayor Garbarino the Housing Subcommittee, including representatives
from Genentech and HEART to discuss the possibilities of the City joining HEART.
Genentech offered a contribution of $200,000 a year for the next five years to HEART to allow
the money to be used only in South San Francisco. The consensus of the subcommittee was to
bring forth to Council for consideration of this donation. Councilman Fernekes along with
Councilman Addiego met with the Kaiser Subcommittee to discuss future plans and agreed to
meet again for follow up.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 14, 2007
MINUTES PAGE 2
Vice Mayor Gonzalez discussed the results of the WTA funding informing Council that he had
met with the City of Redwood City along with Councilmember Addiego and came to the
conclusion that in order to proceed with the ferry terminal project, it was agreed that a 50/50
distribution of Measure A funding would be acceptable. Councilmember Addiego added that it
became obvious that Redwood City was firm in their stance regarding the way funds were to be
distributed and said that WTA Director Steve Castleberry, who also participated in the meeting,
believed that the City of South San Francisco would be first in line to receive funds from
WETA. Councilwoman Matsumoto requested to see a business plan for this project, stating
what if ridership is not as projected and WETA decides to pull one of the boats and puts it in
operation somewhere else, and voiced her concern over the County not having any
representation on WETA. Vice Mayor Gonzalez suggested that WTA Director Castleberry
present answers to Councilwoman Matsumoto's questions to council at a future Council
Meeting. Councilmember Addiego suggested that perhaps businesses could commit to
purchasing tickets for employees to use for commuting on ferries.
City Manager Barry Nagel asked :for direction from council to prepare a letter from Mayor
Garbarino to WTA agreeing to and accepting the distribution of funds at 50/50 between the City
of South San Francisco and the City of Redwood City.
In addition, Vice Mayor Gonzalez rnentioned he attended several events but in interest of time,
he will hold over to the next meeting although he did say regarding the oil spill in the S.F. Bay
that Governor Schwarzenegger gave an order to the Department of Fish & Game to restrict all
fishing in the area. Vice Mayor Gonzalez asked the public to restrict fishing in the City of
South San Francisco as well.
Mayor Garbarino extended his congratulations to newly elected Councilmember Kevin Mullin
and City Clerk Krista Martinelli-Larson. He thanked everyone who called and sent cards to
congratulate him on his reelection. He announced the birth of seventh grandchild, Gabriela
Marie, born Sunday, November 4, 2007 and weighing in at 81bs. 7 oz.
Councilwoman Matsumoto congratulated Fire Chief White and the Fire Department for an
outstanding job on teaching children during Fire Prevention Week.
Councilmember Addiego began discussion on the consideration of Council's Discretionary
Benefit Option program and announced that council had agreed a better program for the
Council's Discretionary Benefit Option would be 50% of the current cost with a cap.
Councilmember Addiego added that in the year 2000 the cost for benefits was $500 for the
employee in comparison to this year's cost of $1,100. Councilmember Fernekes added this
would be a cost saving for the city and would benefit employees.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Motion to approve the minutes of City Council Study Session of October 17, 2007 and
Regular Meeting of October 24, 2007
2. Motion to confirm expense claims of November 14, 2007
3. Resolution No. 105-2007 amending the "Fingers" Ground Lease between REST
Investment and the City of South San Francisco
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 14, 2007
MINUTES PAGE 3
4. Resolution No. 106-2007 awarding a construction contract to P C & N Construction,
Inc. for the replacement of metal guardrail on Hickey Boulevard and South Spruce
Avenue and amending the 2007/2008 CIP Budget -Project No. 51-13231-0804
5. Resolution No. 107-2007 authorizing the acceptance of $10,000 in grant funding from
the Atkinson Foundation to support Community Learning Center programming and
amending the Library Department's 2007/2008 operating budget
Motion-Fernekes/Second-Matsumoto To approve Consent Calendar Items 1-5,
unanimously approved by voice vote, 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING
6. An urgency ordinance of the City of South San Francisco making findings and
extending a moratorium on the approval of discretionary land use entitlements for
specified parcels in the El Camino Real and Sunshine Gardens sub-areas, pending
completion of a specific plan
Public Hearing Opened: 8:46 p.m.
Chief Planner, Susy Kalkin explained the request for Council's approval of establishing a 45-
day moratorium on discretionary land use entitlements for certain parcels including several that
the city is in the process of purchasing from San Francisco's Public Utilities. Staff is
recommending an extension of the moratorium to an additional ten months and fifteen days.
The time will be used to develop a specific plan for the area by refining the scope of the project.
The additional moratorium would prohibit any uses that may conflict with a contemplated
zoning proposal under consideration
No public speakers.
Public Hearing Closed: 8:49 p.m.
Motion to waive reading, introduce and adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1391-2007
Addiego/Second-Fernekes -unanimously approved by voice vote, 5-0
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
7. Resolution No. - 108-2007 approving the installation of stop signs on Arroyo Drive at
the intersection of Cuesta Drive/Capay Circle, Del Monte Avenue, Indio Drive, Lomitas
Avenue/Capay Circle, and Erica Drive/Escanyo Drive
Associate Civil Engineer, Tracy Scramaglia, stated the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC)
received a request for the installation of stop signs on Arroyo Drive at the intersections of
Cuesta Drive/Capay Circle, Del Monte Avenue, Indio Drive, Lomitas Avenue/Capay Circle,
and Erica Drive/Escanyo Drive. After reviewing the request and the intersection of Arroyo
Drive and Capay Circle/Cuesta Drive, TAC concluded that it did not meet the Caltrans warrants
for installation. However, City Council adopted a policy in November 2006, directing staff to
consider the collection of a majority of the residents living in a 300-foot radius of the
intersection. This was accomplished by 30 signatures of the 48 needed to meet the guidelines.
While evaluating Arroyo Drive, staff noted several atypical stop controlled intersections with
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 14, 2007
MINUTES PAGE 4
stop signs on only one direction of Arroyo Drive. TAC reviewed the additional locations and
recommended installation of all-way stop signs at these locations. Mayor Garbarino and Vice
Mayor Gonzalez suggested defined crosswalks at these intersections. Councilmembers
Addiego and Matsumoto commented that the defined crosswalks might create a false sense of
safety. City Manager Nagel, suggested TAC take another look at the area and provide a report
for justification for any or all intersections.
Motion-Addiego/Second-Gonzalez: To approve Resolution No. - 108-2007
approving the installation of stop signs on Arroyo Drive at the intersection of
Cuesta Drive/Capay Circle, Del Monte Avenue, Indio Drive, Lomitas
Avenue/Capay Circle, and Erica Drive/Escanyo Drive, unanimously
approved by voice vote, 5-0.
8. Resolution No.109-2007 approving the installation of a stop sign on Junipero Serra
Boulevard at King Drive
Associate Civil Engineer, Tracy Scramaglia, informed Council that TAC had received a request
from the Police Department for installation of a stop sign on northbound Junipero Serra
Boulevard at King Drive replacing a yield sign. TAC reviewed the request at its September 26,
2007 meeting and recommended that the yield sign be replaced with a stop sign. Drivers
currently neglect vehicles exiting resident's driveway at King Drive. A stop sign would require
drivers to stop as opposed to yielding for eastbound traffic and allow drivers to view a vehicle
exiting the nearby driveway.
Motion-Gonzalez/Second-Fernekes: To approve Resolution No.109-2007
approving the installation of a stop sign on Junipero Serra Boulevard at King
Drive
9. Resolution No. 110-2007 approving 2006-07 Year-End financial results and budget
closing
Finance Director, Jim Steele gave an overview of the 2006-2007 Year-End financial results
commenting that general fund revenues have come in $3.1 million higher than budget. Much of
that revenue is probably non-recurring or can slow down somewhere in the future. Some
examples of those are: building east of 101 and property taxes. Building and Fire permits came
in $1.1 million over budget but can be volatile. Other revenues came from charges for services
with ambulance revenues, Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support, Police Services
Reimbursements, and Child Care. Interest earnings were higher due to higher reserves and
higher overall portfolio earnings rates than a year ago. Finance Director Steele, further
explained the Retiree Health Obligation is on apay-as-you-go basis and recommends setting
aside $3 million in the Reserve for Post-Employment (Retiree) Health Benefits budget towards
that particular liability and reassured that it would not restrict Council from using these funds in
an emergency. Other expenditures include: Police Department overtime needed for
investigations related to six major incidents and the need to maintain minimum staffing. The
Fire Department overtime reflected has been reimbursed by OES; Attorney's Office reflecting
litigation and pending litigation -total of departments expenditures are $214,000 or .4% below
budget.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 14, 2007
MINUTES PAGE 5
Councilwoman Matsumoto asked :Police and Fire if the overtime in their departments are
covered by the outside agencies or through program funding. Police Chief Raffaelli replied that
the overtime backfill was not reimbursed; Fire Chief White replied that OES reimbursed both
the overtime and the backfill. Vice -Mayor Gonzalez asked if recent housing foreclosures would
have an effect on any future revenues and property tax and Finance Director Steele thought it
might have some impact but not a dramatic impact.
Motion- Matsumoto/Second Addiego: - To approve Resolution No. 110-2007 approving
2006-07 Year-End financial results and budget closing
10. Review of Miller Avenue Parking Structure Design
Associate Planner, Chad Smalley reported to Council that approximately 100 notices were
distributed to businesses informing them of an October 29 meeting where the design team
would conduct a presentation of the different `styles' for the parking structure. The attendees
(12) were informally polled at the end of the presentation and the results showed that a more
"traditional" alternate was preferred and a 5'/z-story version was strongly favored.
Councilmembers Addiego and Matsumoto preferred the 4'/2 -story version to fit in with the tone
of the city's downtown area. Vice Mayor agreed with the structure concept and asked if perhaps
bricks could be added to the structure to hide parked cars.
Council Consenus: Direct staff to proceed with the design of a 4 '/2 level
parking structure based on the "Traditional" style as presented.
11. Consider report on City Council Expense Reimbursement Policy and expense reports
and provide direction regarding amendments to the policy, the related forms and
enforcement options
City Attorney, Steve Mattas, recommended to the City Council to review the report provided on
City Council Expense Reimbursement Policy and Expense Reports. Mr. Mattas also suggested
for consideration, that the Finance Director or his designee to review future expense reports to
confirm compliance with adopted policy. Councilman Addiego was pleased with the idea of
having a mechanism to assist council with compliance of the reimbursement policy.
Councilmembers Matsumoto and Fernekes reviewed the report provided by staff and came up
with a dollar amount of $1,500 per councilmember for expenditures on an annual basis.
Council discussed the different non-profit events, conferences, county and regional conferences,
which would qualify under the $1,500 cap. Some discussion was exchanged regarding
conferences such as the BIO conferences in Chicago and Boston in regards to how many
councilmembers should attend. Vice Mayor Gonzalez commented the importance of council's
attendance, support and representation is to non-profit organizations. Non profit organizations
service the City of South San Francisco and the representation and attendance from the city is
important for further education and knowledge of their services. He also mentioned that the
League of California Cities is in conjunction with Santa Clara County and thus would fall out of
the San Mateo County boundary for attendance and asked council to consider making an
exception in regards to attendance for events outside of San Mateo County. Councilwoman
Matsumoto reassured the Vice Mayor the attendance to the four League of California Cities
dinner/meetings throughout the year was factored into the $1,500 cap.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING November 14, 2007
MINUTES PAGE 6
Council Consensus: Recommend amendments to the City Council Handbook
relating to 1) language of the City Council Expense Reimbursement Policy; and/or 2)
implementation and 3) enforcement of said Policy to be agendized at the next City
Council meeting.
12. Resolution No. 111-2007 authorizing an extension of the current compensation plan
agreement for the South San Francisco Executive Management Unit Employees
City Manager, Barry Nagel, explained to Council that staff had met with the Executive
Management Unit and agreed upon the current Compensation Plan. Both parties agreed upon a
standard compensation survey each year to the 60"' percentile as the basis for any salary
adjustment. The agreement extension has been reviewed and approved as to form by the City
Attorney. Adoption of the resolution allows the extension of the existing agreement.
Councilwoman Matsumoto thanked Executive Management Unit employees recognizing the
financial problems which the city will be encountering in the next few years.
Motion- Fernekes/Second Matsumoto: - To approve Resolution No.
111-2007 authorizing an extension of the current compensation
plan agreement for the South San Francisco Executive Management
Unit Employees
COMMUNITY FORUM
None
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned in memory of Vicky Guisti and Paul Serizawa; there being no further
business before the Council, Mayor Garbarino adjourned the meeting at 9:54 p.m. and
reconvened into RDA meeting.
Respectfully submitted:
~,,
Irene Soto, Interim City Clerk
Approved:
~~~ t~
ichard A. Garbarino, Mayor
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
November 14, 2007
PAGE 7