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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 2017.01.28 Burlingame City Council January 28, 2017 Approved Minutes 1 BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL Approved Minutes Annual Goal Setting Session on January 28, 2017 1. CALL TO ORDER A duly noticed meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date in the Lane Room at the Burlingame Public Library. 2. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Beach, Brownrigg, Colson, Keighran, Ortiz MEMBERS ABSENT: None 3. WELCOME City Manager Goldman welcomed the community and reviewed the agenda. City Manager Goldman discussed the image of the iceberg. She stated that the visible portion of an iceberg represents the City’s broad visionary goals. However, the majority of the iceberg, which is underwater and unseen, represents the operational tasks that comprise the day-to-day operations that keep the City running. Accordingly, she explained that as the community and Council come up with goals it is important to keep this image in mind. 4. DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS City Manager Goldman asked for each Department Head to state something that they are proud of accomplishing this year and something that they are worried about. City Attorney Kane began by stating that she is proud of the work that the City did with the Burlingame Point Development. She stated that her concern is the backlog of work that needs to be done including updating and amending the municipal code and City policies. City Librarian McCulley stated that he was proud of the work his staff, trustees and foundation did in finalizing their strategic plan that outlines the library’s goals for the next three years. However, he discussed the increasing number of projects and programs that the library staff is taking on. Accordingly, he stated that he is worried about keeping staff motivated and ensuring that they don’t burn out. Burlingame City Council January 28, 2017 Approved Minutes 2 City Clerk Hassel-Shearer stated that she was proud of the November election because the voter registration and turnout rates were at all-time highs for the City. However, she voiced her concern for the preservation and organization of City records. Community Development Director Meeker stated that he was proud that in 12-16 months, the City would have an updated general plan. However, he stated that he was concerned about the regional issue of the jobs- housing gap. Police Chief Wollman stated that he was proud of how the City, State, Federal and local businesses worked together to preserve individuals’ first amendment right to both attend the California Republican National Convention and protest it. He stated that as a result of the cooperation of all involved, the police were able to ensure the community’s safety around the event. He explained that he is concerned about Proposition 47 and Proposition 57 and how they are having a significant impact on property crimes. Finance Director Augustine stated that she was proud of the comprehensive audit that was just finalized. She explained that the new auditors not only gave the City high marks but also helped the City identify things that could be improved and how to do so. However, she stated that she was concerned about CalPERS reducing the assumed rate of investment return and how that would affect the City’s future projections. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated that she was proud of the community partnerships and projects that her department accomplished. As well, she stated that in 2016, the Parks staff generated 2,250 yards of wood chips which were spread in City parks and landscaped areas, diverting 75-30 yard dumpsters from being hauled from Burlingame to San Carlos and then to San Jose. This is enough wood chips to fill a professional sized basketball court 13 feet deep in wood chips! However she stated that she was concerned about the large number of Parks and Recreation capital projects. She stressed the fact that city fields need to be repaired, the recreation center needs an abundance of maintenance and that park bathrooms need work. Public Works Director Murtuza stated that he was proud of the work that Public Works had done for the Broadway Interchange, Hoover School safety improvements and street repairs. However, he stated that he was concerned with the $100 million backlog of infrastructure needs and the potential increase in the number of trains going through town. As well, he stated he was worried about succession planning. Central County Fire Department Chief Kammeyer stated that he was proud of CCFD’s community outreach. He focused on their efforts in CPR and thanked the Sobel family for their help. However, he stated that he is concerned that because of the growth in the community, CCFD will have a hard time keeping up with new developments to ensure that they are up to code while also reviewing older buildings. As well, he stated a growing concern about succession planning. City Manager Goldman stated that she was proud of her Department Head team and all the work that the staff had accomplished this past year. As well, she stated she was very proud of the survey results the City received that gave staff and the City high marks. However, she stated that her concern was the $100 million backlog of infrastructure needs and how the City would tackle these issues. Burlingame City Council January 28, 2017 Approved Minutes 3 Council thanked staff for sharing their accomplishments and concerns. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Ortiz opened up the floor for public comment. He asked the public to focus on what goals they had for the City. New Burlingame resident Stephanie Lee stated that she would like to see a welcome packet developed that would outline services, ordinances and sustainability improvements for new homeowners. As well, she offered her assistance! Welcome to the community Stephanie! Burlingame resident Lisa H. challenged the Council to make sustainability a priority by installing charging stations and finalizing the City’s climate action plan. Burlingame resident Jeff Londer talked about his environmental concerns and asked Council to opt up to the ECO100, in order to purchase 100% renewable energy for City buildings. Burlingame resident Mike McCord stated that Burlingame needed to think globally act locally. He asked the City Council to watch for opportunities to take a leadership role in environmental issues such as opting up to ECO100, creating a strong climate action plan, and reviewing the Bayfront plan. Burlingame resident Cindy Cornell discussed the goal of affordable housing. She mentioned the Golf Center Site and stated that whichever proposal the City chooses, the revenue generated should be used for affordable housing. Burlingame resident Sandra Lang discussed senior issues and asked that the recreation center consider how a new center could benefit seniors. As well, she asked that the City repair sidewalks to ensure that seniors had mobility in the downtown area. Burlingame resident Betsy McGinn discussed her concern with the Downtown Burlingame area. She stated it was becoming congested and well worn. She asked that the City look into improving the safety of the intersections, having officers on foot patrol and putting in dog poop bag dispensers. Burlingame resident Jennifer Pfaff discussed pedestrian safety in the downtown area and asked that the City consider delayed signals like the ones in downtown San Mateo. As well, she asked that the City move forward with the pillar project welcoming individuals to Burlingame on El Camino Real. Burlingame resident JoAnneh Nagler asked that the Council take on the issue of affordable and workforce housing in the area. She asked that the Council become leaders in the region on this issue. Burlingame resident Alisa Ruiz-Johnson asked that the City use the revenues from the Golf Center Site for affordable housing. As well, she discussed the library and all the benefits it gives the community. Burlingame City Council January 28, 2017 Approved Minutes 4 6. BRAINSTROM: HOW DO WE MAKE BURLINGAME A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK Mayor Ortiz reviewed this agenda item. He stated that he wanted the discussion to focus on getting away from the implementation action plan that had been used in previous years and instead focus on what can we do to make the City a better place to live and work. Mayor Ortiz explained that the Department Heads are the experts in their fields and asked that they actively participate in this session. City Manager Goldman added that this would be a free flowing discussion of ideas and that Ms. Blackburn would be collecting ideas and topics to see what common goals, issues and visions arose. City Librarian McCulley stated that he wanted to see more active engagement in the community. He discussed the idea of getting outside the library walls and finding out from the community what they needed. CDD Meeker discussed the regional issue of affordable housing. He explained that the City needed to look into different options like impact fees and workforce housing. Mayor Ortiz asked if CDD Meeker meant temporary – dormitory style housing when referring to workforce housing. CDD Meeker replied in the affirmative. He added that the City needed to think outside the box and consider a wide range of options. City Manager Goldman discussed Ken Putnam’s suggestion that high density housing be created near public transportation. CDD Meeker stated that an example of dormitory housing was the fire department. He added that this wouldn’t work for all workers but that the community needed to be open to creative solutions. Police Chief Wollman discussed community outreach. He stated that he wanted to see more communication and ways of connecting to the residents in Burlingame. Chief Wollman discussed creating a quality of life team that would conduct outreach to the community and creating neighborhood watch groups. Fire Chief Kammeyer stated that 20% of CCFD’s calls were senior citizens looking for assistance. He discussed his concern about improving outreach to the senior community. PW Director Murtuza discussed College of San Mateo’s housing for workers and professors and stated that the City should look into this option. PW Director Murtuza stated that he wanted to see infrastructure funding addressed. He explained that some of the infrastructure projects like the Broadway Grade Separation were too large for the City to fund the project on its own. Therefore, he stated staff would need to create partnerships on the County, State and Federal level so that the City’s infrastructure needs were met. Burlingame City Council January 28, 2017 Approved Minutes 5 Attorney Kane stated that she would like to see the City commit to fundamental services such as sidewalk repair and traffic safety that would benefit the community. As well, she stated that she wanted to see the City government become an employer of choice. She expressed concern about the difficulty of hiring qualified individuals for higher level jobs because of issues like affordable housing and traffic congestion. City Clerk Hassel-Shearer stated that she would like to see more community events like the annual tree- lighting that were appropriate for all ages, involved local businesses and brought the residents together. As well, she voiced her concern on getting individuals between the ages of 20-35 more invested in their community, applying for commission positions and connected to their local government. Mayor Ortiz asked how the City Clerk thought the City could better engage with that generation. City Clerk Hassel-Shearer stated that the City needed to find new ways of outreach whether it be through social media or attending community events. City Attorney Kane discussed the idea of creating volunteer opportunities that would target millennials. She stated that the shorter time commitment might attract a younger generation to get involved. Police Chief Wollman and City Librarian McCulley both discussed the idea of community engagement, how the City markets itself and connects with people. Mayor Ortiz stated that it seemed like the Department Heads were telling them that more communication was needed in general. City Manager Goldman asked the Council to share their thoughts on how to make Burlingame a better place to live and work. Mayor Ortiz stated that he came to the goal setting session prepared to discuss affordable housing, transportation, grade separation and bicycle lanes, but that it seemed that from the Department Heads there was an additional issue of community outreach and communication. He stated that he would be interested in hearing what the public thought about staffs’ concern. Councilmember Keighran stated that she liked staff’s suggestions. She suggested participating in the farmers markets with a booth in order to reach a greater cross section of the community. As well, she stated that she liked Ms. Lang’s suggestion of engaging the senior community for feedback on the recreation center. Councilmember Keighran stated that all the ideas require funding. She explained that this is the most difficult part as it requires Council and staff to prioritize needs. Councilmember Keighran also addressed the housing needs of the community and stated that the Council needed to further explore impact fees and how they could be used. As well, she stated that the revenues from the Golf Center Site could be used for affordable housing. Councilmember Keighran stated that she would like to see the library set up social media classes that would involve inter-generational training. Moreover, she thought this could be an event that could be held outside Burlingame City Council January 28, 2017 Approved Minutes 6 the library at a park or in downtown Burlingame, in order to attract more attention and draw people in. City Librarian McCulley replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Keighran stated that she liked the idea of a quality of life committee. Fire Chief Kammeyer stated that he envisioned the quality of life task force as members of staff that would meet for a few hours each week and conduct outreach in the community. Councilmember Keighran responded that this was a great idea. Councilmember Colson discussed affordable housing and all the intricacies involved in the issue. She stated that after delving into this topic, this past year, she was struck by how complicated it was. Councilmember Colson suggested using the Sustainability Coordinator as a model for how to tackle the issue of affordable housing. She suggested that the City hire an affordable housing coordinator that could focus on the issue, look for County, State and Federal funding and coordinate between the departments. Councilmember Colson suggested that the City opt up to ECO 100 and encouraged the community to follow suit. Councilmember Colson discussed the financial health of the City and stated that while the City is currently in a good place, that they needed to protect the City from future economic downturns. She discussed her concern about CalPERS and staffs’ pensions. Councilmember Colson discussed the community center and how it is a place that ties in a lot of the needs of the community. She discussed how it can be intergenerational, offers daycare services, and activities for the youth and senior communities. She stressed the importance of addressing the infrastructure needs of the community center. Councilmember Beach stated that she believed it was important for the City to be seeking continuous improvement and not be satisfied with the status quo. She discussed the ideas of community engagement and communication and agreed with staff that these were things to work on. As well, she discussed the City’s need to finalize the climate action plan and then measure its success against this plan. Councilmember Beach also discussed the idea of what the City’s core functions are including: public safety, infrastructure, land use decisions and providing basic city services. She stated that it is important to remain focused on those functions and ensure that they are met. Councilmember Beach stated that her priorities were transportation, city building infrastructure needs and housing. For transportation she discussed the growing congestion and asked how the City could get more individuals using alternative methods of transportation including shuttles, trains and bicycle lanes. Councilmember Beach discussed city buildings infrastructure needs by stating that the City needs to come up with a strategy on how to renovate and replace city buildings. She discussed the issues with some of the city buildings focusing on City Hall. She explained that by taking care of the infrastructure needs of City Hall, the community would benefit from improved city services. Burlingame City Council January 28, 2017 Approved Minutes 7 Councilmember Beach stated that the City needed to focus on the question of how to provide diverse housing stock to the community. After listening to staff, she recognized the need to consider prioritizing workforce housing for city employees who provide essential services related to infrastructure and public safety. Councilmember Beach also thinks Burlingame School District teachers should also be considered in future prioritization discussions. Vice Mayor Brownrigg discussed the recent community survey results and how the consultants relayed to Council that the high percentage of satisfaction the community had with the City services was remarkable. Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that he believed this was a big year with a lot to do including: post office redevelopment; affordable housing project on Lots F & N, Bayfront Development Project and the potential park on the Bayfront. As well, he stated that through the General Plan updates, the City had an opportunity to create a new neighborhood. He stated that the City needed to closely consider this and how it would address housing issues. Vice Mayor Brownrigg agreed with Councilmember Keighran’s comment about improving the shuttles in the City and stated that he would like to see them go into the residential areas. Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that he didn’t think the Council should always consider revenue maximization and stated that the Council had not always considered this as a rule of thumb. He gave the example of the buildings in downtown Burlingame and how the Council decided to not allow them to be taller than 50 feet. Vice Mayor Brownrigg also discussed opening up volunteer positions at Parks and Recreation and the Library to get millennials invested in the community. Council ended this item by thanking staff for their ideas and hardwork. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Burlingame resident JoAnneh Nagler discussed affordable housing and asked the City to look into creating public-private relationships to keep rents affordable. As well she asked the City to look into creating a fund to help individuals transition from rent to own. Burlingame resident Stephanie Lee asked if there was a way to encourage homeowners who have the space to rent out their rooms. Mayor Ortiz discussed HIP Housing. Burlingame resident Jennifer Pfaff discussed the trolley system and asked the City to expand the area the trolleys covered. Burlingame resident Cindy Cornell discussed work force housing and asked the Council to look for solutions for families who need affordable housing. Burlingame City Council January 28, 2017 Approved Minutes 8 Traffic, Safety and Parking Commissioner Howard Wettan discussed the issues the Commission wanted to tackle this year including: formalizing the BPAC; parking on Broadway; downtown Burlingame access, school traffic and safe routes to schools; and neighborhood traffic calming in the Lyon Hoag community. Burlingame resident Sandra Lang discussed affordable housing, improving the City’s website and outreach to Senior citizens. Mayor Ortiz stated that currently the City is redesigning the City’s website. 8. REVIEW COMMON THEMES AND GOALS During the Brainstorming Session and Public Comment periods, Ms. Blackburn wrote down comments and grouped ideas so that themes could be formed. City Manager Goldman reviewed the themes: 1. Housing– She stated that this was clearly a topic of concern in the community. She explained that the City would need to consider how to address this issue whether it be through zoning, impact fees, creation of a position, providing funding for first time homeowners, seismic retrofitting of old buildings in exchange for preserving affordability or many other ideas. She stated that the how would need to be discussed. 2. City Infrastructure – She stated that this primarily related to facilities. She explained that while the community focused on the recreation center, the Council and staff addressed the fact that other city buildings were not in great shape. However, she stated that the infrastructure needs also referred to fixing roads, making sidewalks ADA compliant and ensuring that pump stations remained in working condition. 3. Transportation – She stated that comments seemed to centralize around public transportation like shuttle systems in Burlingame and potentially expanding their coverage and the need for bike lanes. 4. Community and Quality of Life Issues – She asked if the Council considered this a standalone issue or if this was a thread that was throughout the other issues. 5. Communication – Again, she stated that this seemed like a common thread throughout all the comments that were mentioned. 6. Sustainability – Ms. Blackburn mentioned that this also seemed to be a clear theme whether it be finalizing the climate action plan, encouraging public transportation options and opting up to ECO 100. Council and staff discussed these topics and the idea that communication and quality of life might not be standalone goals but rather included in all the other themes. Councilmember Beach suggested that staff look at how these themes fit with the City’s goals and how they could be integrated. City Manager Goldman discussed different ways these themes could be tackled from creating subcommittees to having staff research and present issues to the Council at noticed meetings. Burlingame City Council January 28, 2017 Approved Minutes 9 Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that he was concerned that when Councilmembers are involved in subcommittees or task forces, that others may not feel comfortable speaking freely. However, he stated that the tradeoff for that is that if Council is involved there is an opportunity for a direct policy action. Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that he believed the quality of life taskforce should be staffed by staff and that staff would provide updates to the Council on the group’s progress. Likewise, he stated that the topic of transportation and bicycle lanes should be discussed by the Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission. Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that the housing issue is different. He stated that this issue was a priority and felt that it required the full Council’s attention. Councilmember Beach asked if the housing topic should be a subcommittee or if it should be a discussion of the full Council with publicly noticed meetings. City Manager Goldman replied that it might be both. Councilmember Beach stated she agreed. She stated that she wanted to avoid having the subcommittee do a lot of work without the community and Council being brought along on the decision-making process. Councilmember Keighran suggested starting with a study session and creating subcommittees from there on different items within the housing topic. Mayor Ortiz asked if the rest of the Council agreed with Councilmember Keighran’s suggestion. Council agreed. Councilmember Colson stated that items like opting up to ECO 100 would be discussed during the upcoming budget session. Mayor Ortiz – thanked staff for their ideas and expertise. He thanked the public for sharing their views and thanked colleagues for doing their homework. 9. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Ortiz adjourned the meeting at around 11:50 a.m. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Meaghan Hassel-Shearer City Clerk