HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 2017.07.03
1
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Approved Minutes
Regular Meeting on July 3, 2017
1. CALL TO ORDER
A duly noticed regular meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall
Council Chambers.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The pledge of allegiance was led by CDD Meeker.
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Beach, Brownrigg, Colson, Keighran, Ortiz
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
4. CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Kane reported that direction was given but no reportable action was taken.
5. UPCOMING EVENTS
Mayor Ortiz reviewed the upcoming events taking place in the City.
6. PRESENTATIONS
a. RECOGNITION OF NEW CITIZENS
Mayor Ortiz recognized Burlingame’s newest US citizens, Fika Café owners: Ghada Albaghah and Suleiman
Zwairi. Congratulations.
b. CALTRAIN ELECTRIFICATION UPDATE
Caltrain representative Lori Low gave the Council an update on Caltrain’s electrification project. She stated
that the purpose of the project was to modernize the system and thereby alleviate traffic congestion. Ms.
2
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
Low stated that by electrifying the rail, trains would make 13 stops in the time it currently takes them to
make 6.
Ms. Low reviewed the next steps in the project. She explained that Caltrain was conducting community
surveys to review design options including: seating, colors, and bike lockers. In Burlingame, she stated that
Caltrain’s design looked to mitigate the visual intrusions that the necessary poles would have on the historic
Burlingame Station.
Ms. Low reviewed the Burlingame-specific work. She stated that tree removal is scheduled for late
July/early August; foundation installation is scheduled for late summer/early fall; and pole and wire
installation is scheduled for late 2017/early 2018.
Ms. Low stated that to assist residents, Caltrain established a website that outlines the project and gives
details about construction. Additionally, Caltrain has a hotline for people to call regarding local progress.
Councilmember Keighran asked how long it would take to put the wires up. Ms. Low stated that it would
take approximately 2 weeks in Burlingame.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked if the new trains will keep the same platform height. Ms. Low replied in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Colson asked if Caltrain would be reopening Broadway Station for commuter hours. Ms.
Low stated that Caltrain would hold public meetings to discuss this matter.
Councilmember Beach discussed the need to reopen Broadway Stations to alleviate congestion and allow for
work hour commute.
Mayor Ortiz asked if Caltrain would be noticing the removal of trees in Burlingame. Ms. Low responded in
the affirmative.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Burlingame residents Cynthia Cornell, Kevin and Celia Cucalon discussed the sale of an apartment building
and requested that the Council assist the community with affordable housing.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Ortiz asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the Consent
Calendar. Councilmember Keighran pulled items 8h and 8j. Councilmember Colson pulled item 8l. Vice
Mayor Brownrigg pulled items 8s and 8t.
Mayor Ortiz made a motion to approve 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8i, 8k, 8m, 8n, 8o, 8p, 8q, 8r, and 8u;
seconded by Vice Mayor Brownrigg. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
3
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
a. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 19, 2017
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council’s approval of the City Council meeting minutes from June 19,
2017.
b. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 25 OF THE BURLINGAME
MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONING ORDINANCE) TO INCLUDE REGULATIONS FOR
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT AND A RESOLUTION FINDING THAT ADOPTION OF
THE ORDINANCE IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM ENVIRONMENTAL
ANALYSIS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
(CEQA)
CDD Meeker requested Council adopt Ordinance Number 1942 and Resolution Number 75-2017.
c. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING COMMERCIAL LINKAGE FEES FOR
NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR
DISCOUNT OF SUCH FEES WHEN PREVAILING WAGES ARE PAID DURING
CONSTRUCTION
CDD Meeker requested Council adopt Ordinance Number 1943 and Resolution Number 76-2017.
d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE RENEWAL OF AN AGREEMENT
WITH GPS INSIGHT TO PROVIDE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) SERVICES
FOR THE CITY’S FLEET SYSTEM
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 73-2017.
e. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS
FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT AND MITIGATION PROGRAM
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 74-2017.
f. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A REVISED FINAL PARCEL MAP (PM
16-02), LOT SUBDIVISION AT 300 AIRPORT BOULEVARD
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 77-2017.
g. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AWARDING THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE
SERVICES CONTRACT TO BEAR ELECTICAL SOLUTIONS
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 78-2017.
4
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
h. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH SCS ENGINEERS FOR ENGINEERING AND REGULATORY
COMPLIANCE SERVICES RELATED TO THE CLOSED BURLINGAME LANDFILL
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 79-2017.
Councilmember Keighran asked who would be overseeing this agreement if Topgolf and the City entered
into a lease agreement. DPW Murtuza stated that SCS will be providing the City guidance about Topgolf’s
project and compliance with regulations concerning the landfill.
Councilmember Keighran asked if it would be the City or Topgolf’s responsibility to ensure compliance
once the golf facility is built. City Attorney Kane explained that because the City is the landowner, the City
is ultimately responsible for compliance. However, she added that there might be a cost transfer for day-to-
day work.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that the scope of work in the SCS agreement didn’t include the Topgolf
project. DPW Murtuza replied in the affirmative stating that the agreement with SCS is on an as-needed
basis. He added that once an agreement was reached with Topgolf, SCS would then work on that project.
Mayor Ortiz asked if the cost related to the Topgolf development would be borne by the developer. DPW
Murtuza replied in the affirmative.
Mayor Ortiz opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Keighran made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 79-2017; seconded by Vice Mayor
Brownrigg. The motion was passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
i. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PACIFIC LIBRARY PARTNERSHIP
GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,215.60 TO FUND THE BURLINGAME PUBLIC
LIBRARY’S “GET LIT” BOOK DELIVERY PROJECT
City Librarian McCulley requested Council adopt Resolution Number 80-2017.
j. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER
INTO A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH ON-CAMERA PRODUCTIONS FOR VIDEO
COVERAGE OF CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt Resolution Number 81-2017.
Councilmember Keighran asked about the possibility of videotaping and live-streaming the Traffic, Safety
and Parking Commission meetings. City Clerk Hassel-Shearer stated that she discussed this with On-
Camera Productions and was informed that it would cost approximately $6,800 annually.
5
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
Councilmember Keighran stated that because of the community’s transportation concerns she believed it
would be beneficial to give residents the opportunity to watch meetings from their homes.
Councilmember Beach asked if it would require additional staff time to videotape the meetings when audio
recordings are already available. City Clerk Hassel-Shearer replied that it wouldn’t require additional time.
Mayor Ortiz opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Keighran made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 81-2017 with the amendment that
Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission meetings be videotaped; seconded by Vice Mayor Brownrigg. The
motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
k. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT A
PRICING PROPOSAL FROM BAKER & TAYLOR FOR THE PURCHASE OF LIBRARY
MATERIALS
City Librarian McCulley requested Council adopt Resolution Number 82-2017.
l. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE CITY OF BURLINGAME’S
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
City Manager Goldman requested Council adopt Resolution Number 83-2017.
Councilmember Colson asked that the first paragraph of the resolution be struck which states: “Whereas,
recent events throughout the country and around the world have caused members of the Burlingame
community to have a heightened sense of fear and uncertainty.” She explained that she didn’t believe the
resolution should be connected to a period of time or an incident but rather a continued commitment.
Additionally, she asked that the verb tense in the resolution be in present tense.
Councilmember Beach stated her approval for Councilmember Colson’s changes.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked how the statement would be utilized.
Councilmember Beach stated that the resolution was a visionary document that would act as a touch stone
for the community.
Mayor Ortiz stated that he wanted the first paragraph to remain. He stated that the Council would not have
written this resolution if not for current events.
Councilmember Keighran stated that she agreed with Councilmember Colson that the first paragraph should
be removed as it starts off negative, when the community has embraced diversity.
6
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
Councilmember Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 83-2017 with the following changes:
removing the first paragraph and changing the verb tense to present tense throughout the resolution;
seconded by Councilmember Beach. The motion passed by voice vote, 4-1 (Mayor Ortiz voted against.)
m. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE PARIS CLIMATE
AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY TO JOIN THE CLIMATE MAYORS
NETWORK
City Manager Goldman requested Council adopt Resolution Number 84-2017.
n. APPROVAL OF PARKS AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT ANALYST’S OUT-OF-
STATE TRAVEL
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad requested Council approve of Parks and Recreation Management
Analyst’s out-of-state travel.
o. APPROVAL OF CITY MANAGER’S OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL
City Manager Goldman requested Council approve of City Manager’s out-of-state travel.
p. APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017-18
Finance Director Augustine requested Council approve of Investment Policy for fiscal year 2017-18.
q. APPROVAL OF A CHANGE IN THE NAME OF THE RENEWAL AND REPLACEMENT
RESERVE; AND ADOPTION OF A POLICY FOR THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT
RESERVE WITHIN THE CITY’S CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND
Finance Director Augustine requested Council approve of a change in the name of the Renewal and
Replacement Reserve; and adoption of a policy for the Capital Investment Reserve within the City’s Capital
Projects Fund.
r. AUTHORITY TO EXAMINE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION SALES AND USE TAX
RECORDS
Finance Director Augustine requested Council give staff authority to examine Board of Equalization Sales
and Use tax records.
s. REVIEW OF OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-FUNDING PENSION OBLIGATIONS
Finance Director Augustine asked Council to review the options available for pre-funding pension
obligations.
7
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that this item is the City’s effort to find viable options to fund pension
liabilities.
Finance Director Augustine stated that what staff wanted to convey with the report is that the City set aside
additional funds in the 2017-18 budget for unfunded pension liabilities, but a decision on how to utilize the
funds had not yet been determined.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked if the purpose of tonight’s staff report was to be informational and that options
would be brought back to Council at a later date. Finance Director Augustine replied in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked the Finance Director Augustine to explain the following sentence: “CalPERS
recommends [making additional pension payments directly to CalPERS] this option for agencies who wish
to minimize interest costs related to future liabilities.” Finance Director Augustine stated that CalPERS is
talking about the levels of liability that amortize over time. She stated that making payments directly to
CalPERS is an opportunity to reduce the City’s interest payments.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated he will be interested in reviewing the different financial tradeoffs of the
options.
Councilmember Colson stated the thing that concerned her most was the unfunded AAL. She explained that
even though the City was paying down the liabilities the funded rate went down.
Councilmember Beach asked when the options would be brought back to Council for discussion. Finance
Director Augustine replied in the next two to three months.
t. PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO PROCEED
WITH A REVIEW AND POTENTIAL MODIFICATION OF PARKING REQUIREMENTS
FOR HOTEL USES
CDD Meeker requested Council provide direction to staff and the Planning Commission to proceed with a
review and potential modification of parking requirements for hotel uses.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that he was excited for this discussion.
Mayor Ortiz suggested that the hotels on the east side of the freeway should have different parking
requirements. CDD Meeker stated that this would be discussed.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg made a motion to move forward with discussion about parking requirements;
seconded by Councilmember Beach. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
u. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO PLACE A LOCAL REVENUE MEASURE ON THE
NOVEMBER 2017 BALLOT TO MAINTAIN QUALITY OF LIFE PROGRAMS AND
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION CALLING A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO
8
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017, SUBMITTING TO THE VOTERS A
LOCAL REVENUE TAX MEASURE TO MAINTAIN QUALITY OF LIFE PROGRAMS
City Manager Goldman requested Council adopt Ordinance Number 1944 and Resolution Number 87-2017.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
10. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a. REVIEW OF MAINTENANCE PRACTICES IN MILLS CANYON
P&R Director Glomstad stated that this staff report was brought to Council because of questions that were
raised earlier in the year about the maintenance practices in Mills Canyon.
P&R Director Glomstad gave a brief background of Mills Canyon. She explained that in 1952, 28 acres
were set aside as a wildlife preserve, and in 1977 residents began creating trails in the canyon. She stated
that today the space is still open to the public but that it is known as an “open space wildlife area”.
P&R Director Glomstad stated that the City works with the California Conservation Corps (CCC) to
maintain trails. Additionally, she stated that while they used to work with CCC on fuel reductions, this work
was now done by CAL FIRE as it proved to be more cost effective.
P&R Director Glomstad stated that a few years ago, the City contracted with a consultant to understand what
trails needed the most work in the canyon. She explained that based on the consultant’s report, staff has
worked off this list for the past two years. Additionally, the report helped the City apply for grants including
the recently awarded $50,000. She stated that this money is being used to help clean and maintain trails.
P&R Director Glomstad explained that a study was conducted that stated that putting a bridge in over the
creek would cost approximately $200,000-$250,000.
Councilmember Beach discussed hiking the trails recently and stated that they are in better shape.
Additionally, she explained that individuals can access the canyon without the bridge.
Councilmember Beach stated that community members would like to help with the maintenance of trails.
P&R Director Glomstad stated that staff previously tried to create volunteer programs but that the staff
doesn’t currently have the bandwidth.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked if the City needs staff present when volunteers are working on the canyon.
City Attorney Kane stated replied in the affirmative, explaining that it was necessary for safety and
regulatory reasons.
9
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that he appreciated the time that the City spent maintaining the canyon. He
explained that he can’t justify the City spending $200,000-$250,000 to build a bridge, but hoped the City
would continue to brainstorm new ideas.
Mayor Ortiz stated that there is still access at Adeline.
Mayor Ortiz opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
b. DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC ART TO HONOR ANSON BURLINGAME
P&R Director Glomstad stated that on February 21, 2017, the Council held a study session to discuss a
public art display to honor Anson Burlingame. At the meeting, Mayor Ortiz created an ad hoc subcommittee
consisting of Vice Mayor Brownrigg and Councilmember Beach to organize and research this matter.
P&R Director Glomstad explained that after reaching out to other cities about their public art displays, she
was referred to Fung Collaboratives. She stated that Fung Collaboratives works to bring art into the public
arena through education and by coordinating artists with cities. She stated that after the subcommittee met
with Fung Collaboratives, it was determined that they would be valuable consultants on the project.
P&R Director Glomstad explained that the subcommittee felt that public input was needed on this project.
Accordingly, Ruth Waters from the Peninsula Art Museum, Russ Cohen from the Burlingame Historical
Society, and David Chai, who has extensive knowledge of Anson Burlingame, joined the committee. The
City has also requested assistance from members of the public and has received nine applications for three
spots.
P&R Director Glomstad explained the next steps of the project. She stated that the subcommittee will be
holding educational workshops for community members about public art and its benefits, and will be
researching potential grants. Then the subcommittee will meet with different artists and, if appropriate,
request Council approval to commission an art piece.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that the subcommittee’s initial focus will be on an Anson Burlingame
memorial and that then they would consider additional public art pieces.
Councilmember Beach voiced her excitement for the project.
Councilmember Keighran asked if the same group would be determining future art projects.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that the subcommittee didn’t see this group becoming the public art group
without a further discussion from Council.
Mayor Ortiz opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
c. APPROVAL OF TERM SHEET WITH TOPGOLF INTERNATIONAL
City Manager Goldman presented the staff report on the draft term sheet with Topgolf International.
10
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
City Manager Goldman provided background on the draft term sheet with Topgolf International. She stated
that on June 20, 2016, the City Council requested that staff issue a RFP for the lease management of the Golf
Center site for the operation of golf or other recreational or entertainment activities that would be open to the
public. She explained that Council considered three proposals: US Badminton Center Group, Mid-Peninsula
Ice Rink Foundation, and Topgolf International. She stated that US Badminton Center Group and Mid-
Peninsula Ice Rink Foundation withdrew their proposals. Therefore, on March 21, 2017, the City Council
selected Topgolf as their preferred operator. She explained that at the time, Topgolf’s offer was to pay
$550,000 in annual rent to the City. She stated that Topgolf’s proposal included building a 65,000 sq. ft.
LEED Silver-certified facility with102 hitting bays, 3,000 sq. ft. of event space, a full-service restaurant and
bar, a rooftop terrace, pool tables, shuffle board, and supporting areas. The facility would be built on the
existing Golf Center site, and would offer general entertainment, food, music, golf lessons for all ages,
summer camps, tournaments, and leagues.
City Manager Goldman explained that on April 3, 2017, the City Council held a closed session for real
property negotiations. At the closed session, the City Council created an ad hoc subcommittee of Mayor
Ortiz and Councilmember Colson to negotiate various terms with Topgolf, such as the length of the lease, the
rent payment, community benefits, and sustainability measures. She explained that the draft term sheet was
the result of the ad hoc committee’s negotiations with Topgolf.
City Manager Goldman stated that if the Council approves of the draft term sheet, the City Attorney and
Topgolf’s legal counsel will work to draft a lease agreement.
City Manager Goldman stated that under the term sheet, the City would receive $5,000 per month during
construction and a $1.5 million annual rent payment upon the facility’s opening for years one through five.
The annual rent payment will escalate over time according to the schedule in the draft term sheet. The City
will also receive a community benefit payment of $500,000 and commercial linkage fees. The commercial
linkage fees will be set aside for affordable housing; the remaining funds will accrue to the General Fund.
City Attorney Kane reviewed the draft term sheet. She explained that the proposed base rent for Topgolf
once it is operational is $1.5 million, which is three times the original offer. Additionally, she stated that
because Topgolf was interested in receiving a longer lease, a scale for the rent increases was established in
the draft term sheet.
City Attorney Kane stated that the commercial linkage fees that would be borne of this project would be put
in the affordable housing fund. She explained that in the event that the one-time linkage fees exceed
$350,000, the amount of that overage will be deducted from Topgolf’s proposed community benefit payment
of $500,000.
City Attorney Kane reviewed other requirements of Topgolf in the draft term sheet including; creation of a
security plan with the Police Department, sustainability elements including ensuring that the building is
LEED Silver-certified, and the development of a traffic mitigation plan. Additionally, she stated that
Topgolf will pay prevailing wages during construction, and that Topgolf will reimburse the City for any
extraordinary costs associated with City’s processing of the project.
11
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
Councilmember Keighran asked if the construction period takes longer than two years, would there be an
increase to the rent. City Attorney Kane replied in the affirmative, stating that if construction takes longer
than two years, the rent would be adjusted by the CPI.
Councilmember Keighran asked if language should be included to prevent the land from remaining
undeveloped for a long period of time. City Attorney Kane replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Beach stated that she was comforted that the environmental review of the project was
included in the draft term sheet, including the importance of developing a traffic mitigation plan and how it
would be funded.
Councilmember Beach asked if Topgolf decides to change their use and become, for example a frisbee golf
course, would the City have a say in the change. City Attorney Kane stated that this is a fairly standard lease
term, and that if there are changes to the use, then renegotiations would be necessary.
Councilmember Beach asked if language would be put into the lease agreement in order to ensure that if the
landfill and clay caps are disturbed during construction, that it would be Topgolf’s responsibility. City
Attorney Kane replied in the affirmative.
Mayor Ortiz opened the item up for public comment.
Burlingame residents Elana Lieberman and Cynthia Cornell asked that the rent money be put into the
affordable housing fund.
Burlingame resident Mike Nagler voiced his support for using money from the lease towards affordable
housing.
City Manager Goldman clarified that commercial linkage fees have to go into an affordable housing fund.
She stated that rental payments are not specific and therefore go in the General Fund. However, she added
that Council will have a conversation at some point to discuss how to use the rental payments.
Mayor Ortiz asked if there was an estimate of what the commercial linkage fees would be for this project.
Councilmember Colson stated that the estimate was around $325,000-$350,000, which will go directly into
the affordable housing fund.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated he believed it would be important for the Council to discuss how to utilize
Topgolf rental fees, but that the conversation was not yet ripe.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that he believed the draft terms were a fair deal for both sides. He stated that
he believed that the only EIR issues would be traffic and parking. Therefore he advocated for a mitigated
negative declaration if it was possible. He explained that being efficient with the process is important for
both parties.
12
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
Vice Mayor Brownrigg added that he wanted to ensure that the height of the poles is high enough so that
stray golf balls don’t end up on the soccer field and that Topgolf isn’t allowed to put billboards along the
highway.
Councilmember Keighran asked about shuttle services and if that pertained to hotel shuttles. City Attorney
replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Keighran asked about the timing of a potential mitigated negative declaration. City
Attorney Kane stated that it is something that the Community Development Department will have to analyze.
Councilmember Beach voiced her support for shuttles and the importance of taking shuttles to transit hubs.
Mayor Ortiz thanked staff, Council, and Topgolf for their work.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg made a motion to move forward on the term sheet; seconded by Councilmember
Keighran. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH AXON (FORMERLY TASER INTERNATIONAL
INC.) TO PROVIDE BODY WORN CAMERAS AND DATA STORAGE TO THE
BURLINGAME POLICE DEPARTMENT (BPD)
Police Chief Wollman asked Council to adopt Resolution Number 88-2017.
Police Chief Wollman provided the background for this staff report. He stated that due to the growing local
and national concerns over the use of force employed by police departments, the issue of police utilizing
body worn cameras has received significant attention. He explained that based on this the San Mateo County
Civil Grand Jury investigated the issue and issued a report, “Body Cameras – The Reel Truth,”
recommending that all San Mateo County cities and towns that have not adopted body worn cameras develop
an appropriate body worn camera implementation plan and advise the public of their plan by November 30,
2016. The report further recommended that all cities and towns implement said plan no later than October
31, 2017.
Police Chief Wollman explained that the City’s response to the report indicated that analysis of the costs and
benefits of body worn cameras would be completed and presented to Council for further discussion by
November 30, 2016. At the November 21, 2016 Council meeting, staff concluded it would be beneficial and
cost effective to implement body worn cameras for use by the Burlingame Police Department. Council
subsequently approved moving forward with implementation, which included a testing phase and the
selection/recommendation of a body worn camera vendor.
Police Chief Wollman stated that from December 2016 through April 2017, meetings were held with various
stakeholders to finalize a body worn camera policy, select vendors to test, and conduct field testing of the
body worn cameras by officers. He stated that two cameras were tested: Axon and Go Pro. During the
testing phase, he stated that staff identified several sole source features offered by Axon that were necessary
13
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
and essential to the Burlingame Police Department’s body worn camera program. The sole source features
included but were not limited to the following:
• Recording indicators such as tone, light, and vibration
• Up to two-minute buffering period that records footage before pressing record button
• 12 plus hours of battery operation per shift even in recording mode
• Ease of storage, downloading and charging with use of the Axon Dock.
• Ease of video playback in the field and during report writing with use of the Axon Capture
Application.
• Axon Signal Unit, which automatically turns on the body worn camera when the officer’s
emergency vehicle light bar is activated.
• Axon Signal Performance Power Magazine which automatically turns on the body worn camera
when an officer’s TASER device is taken off of safe mode.
• Axon Signal Technology, which can automatically turn on a body worn camera when an officer
draws his/her service weapon, releases the rifle or shotgun lock, or opens his/her emergency
vehicle door to exit.
• An interface with Sunridge Systems, the Department’s current records management system that
automatically enters data from this system into Axon’s data storage service.
Police Chief Wollman stated that the fiscal impact for a five-year agreement with Axon is approximately
$39,186 for FY 2017-18, and approximately $33,421 per fiscal year through FY 2021-22.
Councilmember Keighran asked what other cities use Axon. Police Captain Matteucci stated that
Hillsborough and Belmont are both using Axon.
Councilmember Keighran asked how many body worn cameras would be used. Police Captain Matteucci
stated that the Police Department would be purchasing about 42 units.
Councilmember Keighran asked how durable the body worn cameras were. Police Captain Matteucci stated
that Hillsborough and Belmont had no problems with the units, and because it’s a lease, the police will get
new units every 2-2.5 years.
Councilmember Keighran asked if there is any concern about the amount of data storage. Police Chief
Wollman stated that the cost of additional storage is 75 cents per gigabyte. City Attorney Kane added that
the law on how long video data needs to be stored is in flux right now. She stated that staff would be
reporting back to Council on retention proposals.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked how the cameras turned on. Police Chief Wollman stated that the officer has
to hit the button, but that if the button is hit, the camera gives you the previous two minutes.
Mayor Ortiz asked if officers pulled their service weapon, if it would begin recording. Police Captain
Matteucci stated that this was an option.
14
Burlingame City Council July 3, 2017
Approved Minutes
A discussion was had to ensure that the cameras would be turned on if emergency lights went on, and if an
officer draws either their Taser or service weapon.
Mayor Ortiz opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Keighran made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 88-2017; seconded by
Councilmember Beach. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
11. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Council reported on various events and committee meetings they each attended on behalf of the City.
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
No future agenda items were proposed.
13. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The agendas, packets, and meeting minutes for the Planning Commission, Traffic, Parking & Safety
Commission, Beautification Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Library Board of Trustees
are available online at www.burlingame.org.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ortiz adjourned the meeting at 9:34 p.m. in memory of Rudy Horak.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer
City Clerk