HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 2018.01.16
Burlingame City Council January 16, 2018
Approved Minutes
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BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Approved Minutes
Regular Meeting on January 16, 2018
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 Lee Thompson.
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Beach, Brownrigg, Colson, Keighran, Ortiz
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
4. CLOSED SESSION
There was no closed session.
5. UPCOMING EVENTS
Mayor Brownrigg reviewed the upcoming events taking place in the city.
6. PRESENTATIONS
a. STANFORD GRADUATE STUDENTS’ PRESENTATION ON SEA LEVEL RISE
Derek Ouyang, lecturer at Stanford, explained that graduate students are enrolled in two project-based, year-
long courses. He explained that the courses were developed to assist the County of San Mateo Office of
Sustainability to research, identify, and analyze the impacts of future land use development on flood damage
risk in the coastal and bayshore regions. Moreover, he stated that the focus of the project is to empower
local communities to mitigate the risk of sea level rise and other hazards.
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Mr. Ouyang explained that last quarter’s students produced an initial risk assessment in the region. He
explained that the idea of the risk assessment is to quantify the amount of damage that would be incurred
from future flood risks. These assessments can then be used to inform land use decisions on future projects.
Stanford graduate student Sabine Loos reviewed the background of their project. She showed images of
what the bayshore looked like in 1947 versus 2018. She explained that a majority of Burlingame’s economy
is located east of US Highway 101, which is land that is susceptible to flooding.
Ms. Loos explained that the students created a method for calculating economic loss as a result of flood
damage. Additionally, the students reviewed cascading impacts of flood damage like increased traffic or lost
work.
Next, Stanford graduate student Ben Mullet reviewed the results of the students’ findings. He stated that the
expected economic losses at the current sea level are $44 million a year in the Bay Area. He explained that
the loss varies throughout the Bay Area and that Burlingame has a mid-level risk. Mr. Mullet stated that if
their assessment includes an optimistic global CO2 emissions and sea level rise scenario, which is known as
RCP 2.6, the economic loss per year in the Bay Area is 30 times greater at $1.2 billion a year.
Councilmember Ortiz asked about the time frame of RCP 2.6. Mr. Mullet stated that it is over the next 100
years and that there are different levels of sea level rise.
Mr. Mullet discussed Burlingame’s bayfront. He explained that according to their calculations,
Burlingame’s hotels are expected to have minimal annual damage as a result of floods. The reason for this
lower level of damage is because of the elevation of the hotels.
Councilmember Beach asked if the data was showing that the City’s greatest vulnerability is not damage to
hotels but the cascading impacts like road closures. And if this is true, should the City be focused on
drainage in order to mitigate the risk. Mr. Ouyang replied that they hadn’t fully quantified the cascading
impact of roads being closed.
Mr. Ouyang reviewed the next steps. He explained that the County expressed an interested in having the
students look over the general and specific plans of municipalities. With this data, the students can review if
future land use development is exacerbating or mitigating risk. He stated that he is hoping to work with the
GIS departments of different cities on utilizing Stanford’s risk assessment tool.
Mayor Brownrigg stated he would find it helpful if they developed a matrix that showed the effects of
different stages of sea level rise. Additionally, he explained that he would like to hear about defensive
measures that would allow bayfront development.
Mayor Brownrigg asked if the City could incorporate the students’ presentation for their own use. Mr.
Ouyang replied in the affirmative.
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7. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Brownrigg asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the
Consent Calendar. Councilmember Keighran pulled 8b, 8c, and 8h. Councilmember Beach pulled 8i.
Mayor Brownrigg pulled 8d.
Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to adopt 8a, 8e, 8f, 8g, 8j, 8k, 8l and 8m; seconded by Councilmember
Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
a. ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 2, 2018
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt the City Council Meeting Minutes of January 2, 2018.
b. CONFIRMATION OF THE MAYOR’S COUNCIL ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2018 AND
PROCESS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt the Mayor’s Council Assignments for 2018 and process
for Economic Development Subcommittee assignment.
Councilmember Keighran discussed Mayor Brownrigg’s proposal to deviate from the established practice of
the Mayor assigning Councilmembers to committees and subcommittees. She explained that Mayor
Brownrigg’s memorandum outlined a process by which assignment to the Economic Development
Subcommittee would be an automatic rotation. The memorandum stated that the positions of Vice Mayor
and third-in-line would always be on the subcommittee. She asked why the Mayor was treating this
subcommittee different from the others.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that the role of the Economic Development Subcommittee is an important one, as it
interacts with key economic constituents in the city. He explained that Council benefits from having
Councilmembers rotate through the subcommittee because they are exposed to different economic groups
and hear about new projects.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that creating a mechanical rotation would bring continuity as Councilmembers
would remain on the committee for two years. He noted that the rotation would also ensure fresh
perspective.
Councilmember Keighran stated that she didn’t agree with this line of thinking. She stated that the
Economic Development Subcommittee is not more important than the other committees and subcommittees.
Councilmember Keighran stated that if the Mayor’s concern is Councilmembers serving too long on a
committee or subcommittee, this should be a general policy issue for all assignments. She suggested
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establishing criteria for the Mayor when making assignments including: time commitments, expertise, and
interest. She added that because the Mayor rotates each year, there is always a fresh perspective when
making assignments.
Councilmember Keighran stated that if Mayor Brownrigg wanted to look at the general policy for how the
Mayor assigns committees and subcommittees, she would be interested in creating criteria. She suggested
including: expertise, interest and time commitment.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that there is a multifaceted approach to putting assignments together. She stated
that her concern with the Mayor’s suggested rotation is that a future Council could be put into a situation,
during a contentious time, where this would need to be un-memorialized.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if the Mayor’s suggestion would require a resolution. City Manager Goldman
replied in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Colson explained that she believed that the assignment sheet should have an additional column
concerning the number of years served. Additionally, she stated she would lean towards granting the Mayor
discretion for assignments instead of a mechanical rotation.
Councilmember Ortiz explained that he enjoyed his time on the Economic Development Subcommittee and
understood the importance of the subcommittee. He stated that he believed assignments to this
subcommittee should rotate but that he understood Councilmember Keighran’s concern about time
commitment. Therefore, he suggested a set rotation but with Councilmembers having the ability to decline.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that the meeting time of the Economic Development Subcommittee could change.
Moreover, he stated that if an individual didn’t want to be on the subcommittee, the Mayor would have the
discretion to assign another Councilmember.
Councilmember Beach stated she didn’t feel strongly either way. She stated that Mayor Brownrigg’s
proposal seemed reasonable and she liked the idea that built-in is the opportunity for a person to decline and
the Mayor to assign another.
City Attorney Kane suggested severing the two actions when calling for a vote on approval of the
assignments and Mayor Brownrigg’s recommended rotation for Economic Development Subcommittee.
Councilmember Ortiz made a motion to adopt the Mayor’s 2018 Committee Assignments; seconded by
Councilmember Beach. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
Mayor Brownrigg made a motion to have staff memorialize a rotation in which the Vice Mayor and third in
line Councilmember are assigned to Economic Development Subcommittee each year, but they have the
option to decline if necessary, and the the Mayor would have the discretion to assign someone else to the
subcommittee; seconded by Councilmember Beach. The motion passed in a roll call vote 3-2
(Councilmember Keighran and Vice Mayor Colson voted against.)
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c. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PROCURE
FIELD TURF PRODUCTS AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH INTERSTATE
GRADING AND PAVING, INC. FOR THE SITE WORK FOR THE INSTALLATION OF
SYNTHETIC TURF AT MURRAY FIELD
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad requested Council adopt Resolution Number 13-2018.
Councilmember Keighran asked how long the field turf fiber is expected to last. Parks and Recreation
Director Glomstad replied that it would last 8-10 years.
Councilmember Keighran asked if the shock absorbing system that is underneath the field turf lasted
approximately twice as long as the field turf fiber. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad replied in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Keighran asked how the turf was different from what BSD is using. Parks and Recreation
Director Glomstad replied that it is the same.
Councilmember Keighran asked about the timeline for the project. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad
explained that it is scheduled to start in March, and that the fields will be open in August.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Beach made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 13-2018; seconded by Vice Mayor
Colson. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH WILSEY HAM FOR THE SOUTH EL CAMINO REAL WATER
MAIN IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. 84890, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT
Assistant DPW Morimoto requested Council adopt Resolution Number 14-2018.
Mayor Brownrigg asked if this was the right time to proceed with this project, in light of the work coming
down the pipe from the El Camino Real Task Force. Assistant DPW Morimoto replied in the affirmative and
stated that one of the reasons staff is moving forward with this project is in anticipation of the work that
Caltrans will be doing in 2019-2020.
Mayor Brownrigg asked if he was correct in assuming that the City’s plan was to dovetail the two projects.
Assistant DPW Morimoto replied in the affirmative.
Mayor Brownrigg asked if the City would need to delay this project if Caltrans’ work is delayed. Assistant
DPW Morimoto replied in the negative.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
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Mayor Brownrigg made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 14-2018; seconded by Vice Mayor Colson.
The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
e. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS SUPPORTING THE SUBMISSION OF GRANT
APPLICATIONS FOR CALIFORNIA DRIVE COMPLETE STREETS – PHASE II
PROJECT AND THE SCHOOL AREA PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AND ENHANCEMENTS
PROJECT UNDER THE MEASURE A PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE PROGRAM
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 15-2018 and Resolution Number 16-2018.
f. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CIVIL SERVICE RULES AND
REGULATIONS AND EMPLOYER EMPLOYEE RELATIONS RESOLUTION
HR Director Morrison requested Council adopt Resolution Number 17-2018.
g. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER
INTO A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH ECS IMAGING INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF
AN ELECTRONIC CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND SCANNING SERVICES
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt Resolution Number 18-2018.
h. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND
THE SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH GRANICUS, INC. TO PURCHASE LASERFICHE
INTEGRATION AND ECOMMENT APPLICATION
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt Resolution Number 12-2018.
Councilmember Keighran asked what the deadline would be for people to submit an eComment on agenda
items. City Clerk Hassel-Shearer explained that eComment would open when the agenda is posted and
would close on the morning of the meeting. She stated that this would be done to ensure that Council and
staff had enough time to review all comments and questions.
Councilmember Keighran asked if eComment is open during meetings. City Clerk Hassel-Shearer replied in
the negative.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that the City Clerk would also ensure that individuals understood that writing an
eComment would not be treated like a letter that requires a response.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if there was a way to articulate the fact that Council wouldn’t be required to
respond to eComment questions. City Clerk Hassel-Shearer replied in the affirmative stating that staff would
design the eComment template and ensure that this was articulated.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
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Councilmember Keighran made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 12-2018; seconded by
Councilmember Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
i. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE COMPOSITION AND SCOPE OF
THE CITY OF BURLINGAME’S MEASURE I CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
AND OPEN NOMINATION PERIOD FOR COMMITTEE APPLICANTS
City Manage r Goldman requested Council adopt Resolution Number 11-2018.
Councilmember Beach stated that in regards to the application, she would like to include clarifying language
that individuals that are submitting their application to the committee don’t have budgetary, spending, or
contracting authority over Measure I funds. She explained that this would ensure that residents understand
the parameters of the committee.
City Manager Goldman stated that she had discussed Councilmember Beach’s recommendation with her
prior to the meeting. She explained that she had done a mock-up of the application adding the following
language below the Mission Statement: “In order to preserve the integrity and independence of the oversight
process, Committee members shall not have a formal role in contracting or project management, nor will
they have any budgetary authority related to the use and allocation of Measure I revenue.”
Councilmember Beach stated that the Mission Statement of the Oversight Committee is to review and report
on the receipt of revenue and expenditure of funds from the Measure I tax. She explained that the members
will review audit reports and tell the Council how much money was received and where it was spent. She
stated that after further reflection, she wondered if it would be of value for the committee to report on the
match between the actual expenditures and the Council’s expenditure plan. This would ensure that funds
were being spent on what was outlined in the Council’s policy.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that having previously served on oversight committees, she would recommend
against Councilmember Beach’s suggestion. She explained that an emergency could arise where the Council
has to have the flexibility to divert funds.
Councilmember Ortiz agreed with Vice Mayor Colson. He explained that the committee’s duty is to oversee
what has already been done.
Councilmember Beach explained that she hadn’t thought of the impact of emergencies. She stated that but
for emergencies, asking the committee members to compare expenditures to Council’s plan should match.
City Manager Goldman explained that at the 2018 Goal Setting meeting, the expenditure plan would be
discussed. At this meeting, Council would give staff direction on the expenditure plan and it would be
brought back to Council for adoption at a later meeting. She stated that this document will keep staff and
Council honest as it will serve as a guiding document. She explained that each year this document will be
reviewed and it will be adjusted based on revenues.
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Councilmember Beach thanked City Manager Goldman for her explanation and stated that the expenditure
plan would serve as a check on the spending of Measure I funds. She stated that her original question was
whether Council wanted to task the committee with ensuring that the funds match.
Councilmember Keighran stated she concurred with City Manager Goldman that having the expenditure plan
and audit reports would cover Councilmember Beach’s concerns and keep the Council and staff honest. She
stated that she didn’t want the plan to be so specific as to not allow for flexibility.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that the Mission Statement’s language implied that the oversight committee only
meets once a year. He suggested adding a comma so that it would read “auditor’s findings, and other matters
as the Council may direct.” This would imply there would be more than one meeting a year and there may
be other issues that the Council directs the committee to review. City Manager Goldman replied that the
application states that the Committee will meet at least annually. She stated at the beginning, she believed
the committee would meet more often as they are educated on their role and Measure I.
Vice Mayor Colson asked to insert the phrase “non-voting” to the resolution clause “Whereas, the members
of the City Council’s Audit Committee shall serve as ex-officio non-voting members of the Committee.”
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Beach made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 11-2018 with the addition of the phrase
non-voting to the sentence “Whereas, the members of the City Council’s Audit Committee shall serve as ex-
officio non-voting members of the Committee” and adding the one comment that City Manager Goldman
proposed to the application clarifying that the committee does not have budgetary or contractual authority;
seconded by Vice Mayor Colson. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
j. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE ILLUMINATED LIBRARIES GRANT
IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,881 FOR THE UPGRADE OF BURLINGAME LIBRARY WIFI
ACCESS POINTS
City Librarian McCulley requested Council adopt Resolution Number 10-2018.
k. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ICF JONES & STOKES, INC. TO
PERFORM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW SERVICES RELATED TO THE PROPOSED
VILLAGE AT BURLINGAME AND PUBLIC PARKING STRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
OF PARKING LOTS F AND N
CDD Meeker requested Council adopt Resolution Number 9-2018.
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l. APPROVAL OF PUBLIC LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE OUT OF STATE
TRAVEL
City Librarian McCulley requested Council approve out-of-state travel to the Public Library Association
Conference.
m. INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON THE INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGING STATIONS AT CITY HALL AND THE POLICE STATION
Sustainability Coordinator Michael presented an informational report on the installation of electric vehicle
charging stations at City Hall and the Police Station.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
10. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a. CONSIDER APPOINTMENT TO THE MOSQUITO & VECTOR CONTROL BOARD
Mayor Brownrigg stated that the Council was presented with one candidate for the Mosquito & Vector
Control Board; Joe Galligan. The Council interviewed Mr. Galligan on January 3, 2018.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer handed Council ballots to determine whether to appoint Mr. Galligan to a two-
year term or a four-year term.
The Council unanimously voted to appoint Mr. Galligan to a four-year term on the Mosquito & Vector
Control Board.
b. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT OF THE CITY
MANAGER’S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE A SALARY INCREASE, AND
APPROVING THE CITY OF BURLINGAME PAY RATES AND RANGES (SALARY
SCHEDULE)
HR Director Morrison requested Council adopt Resolution Number 7-2018.
HR Director Morrison reviewed the background of this item explaining that City Manager Goldman began
her service with the City on December 27, 2012. On December 6, 2017, the City Council met with the City
Manager in closed session to review her performance after her fifth year in office.
HR Director Morrison explained that following the evaluation, the City Manager left the closed session and
the Council discussed her compensation. In recognition of the City Manager’s positive performance
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evaluation and existing market rates for comparable positions, the City Council recommended increasing her
salary by 3%, the same percentage increase that the Department Heads and Unrepresented Employees
received in 2018.
HR Director Morrison explained that in order to increase her salary, Section 5 of the employment agreement
must be amended to increase the monthly salary from $19,344.24 per month to $19,924.57, effective the first
pay period in January.
HR Director Morrison explained that the proposed increase requires the Council to authorize a new salary
schedule, that once approved will be available to the public via the City’s website. The financial impact of
this increase is approximately $9,087 annually, and the City Manager’s Office budget can absorb the
increase using existing funds for the remainder of this fiscal year.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Keighran made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 7-2018; seconded by Councilmember
Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
c. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT TO THE COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLAN FOR
THE CITY OF BURLINGAME DEPARTMENT HEAD AND UNREPRESENTED
CLASSIFICATIONS
HR Director Morrison requested Council adopt Resolution Number 8-2018.
HR Director Morrison reviewed the background of the report, stating that the Compensation and Benefit
Plan for the City Department Heads and Unrepresented Employees covers the position of Police Chief. She
explained that in 2017, the City’s external auditors discovered during their testing of payroll that the City is
paying more for flat rate premiums than was approved in the agreements with the bargaining units. Staff
researched this discrepancy and determined that there is no written document to support the slightly higher
premium pay rates. Therefore, they determined that there must have been a verbal agreement, over 16 years
ago, that the City would pay a portion of the employees’ PERS contribution on top of the flat rate premiums.
HR Director Morrison explained that on June 19, 2017, the Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City
Manager to execute side letter agreements with the various bargaining units to correct this issue. During a
recent comprehensive audit of the City’s payroll practices, covering 100% of all special pays paid to
employees, the City’s auditors discovered the same issue existed for the unrepresented Police Chief POST
certificate premium pay under the Compensation and Benefit Plan.
HR Director Morrison stated that staff is asking Council to authorize the City Manager to sign a side letter
agreement that specifies a new rate for POST certificate premium pay for the Police Chief in the
Compensation and Benefit Plan. The monthly premium is increased to a fixed amount based on the actual
amount currently being paid to the Police Chief for this certificate. This will ensure that the Police Chief
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does not get a pay decrease, and that the rate being currently paid is approved by the Council. This is a one-
time correction that must be approved by the Council and memorialized.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that this item has a total budget impact of $1,000 a year.
Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 8-2018; seconded by Councilmember
Keighran. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
d. CITY OF BURLINGAME COMMENTS IN RESPONSE TO THE DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE US 101 MANAGED LANES PROJECT
Prior to the presentation of this staff report, Councilmember Keighran recused herself from the item. She
explained that legally she didn’t have to recuse herself, but felt it was best to do so, due to the fact that she
has had and will continue to have frequent conversations on this matter as part of her County job.
Councilmember Beach disclosed that she was a cities-at-large member on the San Mateo County
Transportation Authority. She explained that the Transportation Authority was one of the project sponsors.
She asked if she should recuse herself from this item. City Attorney Kane replied in the negative. She
explained that the reason Councilmember Keighran felt that she had to recuse herself was because of the dual
role she plays as both Councilmember and legislative aide in the County. Therefore, because
Councilmember Beach’s role on the Transportation Authority is due to her Council position, she does not
have the same potential conflict.
Assistant DPW Art Morimoto presented the staff report concerning the City of Burlingame’s comments in
response to the draft environmental impact report for the US 101 managed lanes project. He explained that it
is a Caltrans project that is being done in cooperation with the Transportation Authority and C/CAG. The
purpose of the project is to reduce congestion in the corridor, incentivize carpooling and transit, and improve
the ability to apply technology to help manage traffic.
Mr. Morimoto explained that the project proposes to construct an express lane in both directions on US 101
in San Mateo County. An express lane is a carpool lane that also allows lower occupancy vehicles to pay
tolls based on dynamic pricing depending on demand.
Mr. Morimoto reviewed the impacts this project would have on Burlingame. He explained that to
accommodate the express lane, the current auxiliary lane (the transition lane between the Broadway on-ramp
and the Poplar Avenue exit), will be converted into a through lane. With the loss of the auxiliary lane, a new
acceleration lane will need to be added in the southbound direction for approximately 3,000 feet between the
Broadway on-ramp and the Poplar Avenue off-ramp to accommodate the converted auxiliary lane. The
proposed acceleration lane would require relocating the existing sound wall and encroaching it on Rollins
Road throughout the transition. Although the project will maintain the existing two-way traffic lanes with the
parking lane along Rollins Road, the relocation of the sound wall will result in the elimination of the existing
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planter strip between the roadway and the sound wall. This impact to Rollins is a major concern to
Burlingame.
Mr. Morimoto explained that although the EIR shows parking on Rollins as well as one lane traffic in each
direction, the EIR does not provide sufficient detail on lane widths and movement of the wall, and instead is
more general in nature. He explained that staff’s comments are intended to provide specifics.
Mayor Brownrigg asked how much the wall is shifted in the existing view versus the simulated view, which
were both included in the packet. Mr. Morimoto replied that the simulation only shows San Mateo. He
explained that some preliminary cross sections staff received from Caltrans shows the wall shifting 3-4 feet
at the most.
Mr. Morimoto stated that currently the wall has ivy screening. Therefore in order to maintain that, staff
included in the letter a request to maintain some sort of planter. He stated that this would provide a buffer
between the roadway and the wall for vehicles and cyclists.
Mr. Morimoto added that it is unclear what impacts this project has on the new Broadway Interchange.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that the last request on the draft letter was: “the project shall take adequate
measures to minimize construction noise and disruption to Burlingame businesses and residents during the
construction time.” She explained that those on Rollins Road and in the Lyon Hoag neighborhood are
already dealing with construction noise, and therefore this would only exacerbate the problem. She asked
what measures staff was proposing to minimize the noise. Mr. Morimoto stated that staff could include
stronger language in that portion of the letter, but it is not clear what the impacts will be at this time. He
stated that there will likely be some lane closures.
City Attorney Kane stated that if Council wanted to signal the seriousness of this issue, staff could state in
the letter: “cumulative impacts of construction noise”. She explained that this means something in terms of
the magnitude of the potential problem and the potential remedies that people may seek. She added that the
City needed to be careful about being too prescriptive about the mechanism. But the comment could be
expanded to say that the City wants to have an active engagement about appropriate mitigation measures.
Councilmember Beach thanked staff for taking the time to review the EIR and look at the potential impacts.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that he appreciated that the letter requested continuing the tree motif. But he asked
that the letter be a little more specific and instead of saying consistent with features, say tree motif.
Mayor Brownrigg asked if Caltrans moves forward with this project would it affect San Mateo’s proposed
Peninsula Avenue project. Mr. Morimoto stated that he would need to get back to Council with an answer.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that if he was a property owner whose view changed from the existing look to the
simulated view, he would consider it a diminution of property value. He stated that the simulated view looks
more dangerous and much less hospitable to bicycles.
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City Attorney Kane stated that aesthetics are one of the things reviewed under CEQA.
Councilmember Beach stated that the City might not want to request the tree motif as she believed the ivy
added softness.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that ivy looks pretty but can create garbage and vermin issues. Therefore, she
stated that staff should talk to the community to see what they wanted.
Mayor Brownrigg asked if when talking about the tree motif if they are talking about both sides of the wall.
Mr. Morimoto stated it was on the 101 side, but it could be requested on both.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Beach made a motion to approve giving staff the authority to amend the letter and submit it
timely; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion was approved by voice vote, 4-0-1 (Councilmember
Keighran recused herself).
e. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
THE AMENDED AND RESTATED FRANCHISE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF
BURLINGAME AND RECOLOGY SAN MATEO COUNTY FOR SERVICES BEGINNING
JANUARY 1, 2021
Finance Director Augustine requested Council adopt Resolution Number 19-2018.
Finance Director Augustine stated that the franchise agreement between the City and Recology represents a
significant component of the City’s solid waste utility. The agreement covers collection services for
garbage, recycling, and organic materials. She explained that because the agreement with Recology expires
on Dec 31, 2020, the ad hoc franchise agreement extension committee spent more than a year negotiating
with Recology and creating a model franchise agreement. The negotiated deal provides consistency with
current solid waste, recycling, and organic services and continuity of a partnership that has served the City
well. Additionally, the agreement provides rate setting stability and predictability. After an initial rate true-
up in 2021, cities can expect some protection from volatile cost impacts.
Finance Director Augustine explained that the staff report lists other benefits including: cost savings,
efficiencies, and in-service delivery. She stated that Burlingame pays approximately $11 million for their
solid waste services. She explained that this agreement represents 53% of that total.
Councilmember Keighran stated that she would not be recusing herself, even though this was talked about at
the County level. She explained that she was only in meetings to be educated about the matter, not to decide
on the matter.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that Council had a thorough discussion about process in general at the last meeting.
He thanked Director of Rethink Waste Joe La Mariana.
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Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Keighran stated the new agreement includes a cap of 30 pick-ups per day for abandoned
waste. Additionally, if the service area reaches an average of 25 there will be further discussion. She asked
if Recology knew what the current average is. Recology’s Public Affairs Manager, Gino Gasparini, stated
that the service area is at approximately 25 per day.
Councilmember Ortiz asked if there was a way to push back pick-up times, as he had received several
complaints, especially from multi-family units. Mr. Gasparini replied that if there are issues with the public,
they deal with them on a one-on-one basis and try to accommodate requests.
Mayor Brownrigg explained that as density increases, the City needs to be more thoughtful about where
garbage is put and where it is to be picked up. He also noted that if it takes Recology longer to pick up the
garbage in Burlingame, the City’s rates will go up.
Councilmember Beach stated that the City spends $11 million a year on solid waste services, of which 53%
is the Recology agreement. She stated the other 47% is South Bay Recycling, disposal costs, SBWMA, and
city agency fees. She asked if there would be additional contracts coming before the Council prior to 2021
concerning the other 47% of costs. Finance Director Augustine replied in the affirmative, stating that staff
will be bringing contracts to Council for the recycling center and disposal costs.
Councilmember Beach stated that while the City can look ahead to what the Recology costs will be, there are
some other components to the garbage rates. Finance Director Augustine replied in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 19-2018; seconded by Councilmember
Keighran. The motion was 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
Councilmember Beach explained that San Mateo is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their sponsoring of the
101st army airborne unit. She stated that there are about 9 or 10 cities in San Mateo County that have
sponsored units. Burlingame was the second city to sponsor a unit in the 10st airborne division. Therefore,
the City has been invited to participate in the festivities. She stated that she wanted the Council to consider
participating and how the City would participate. Mayor Brownrigg concurred. This item will be agendized.
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.
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14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Brownrigg adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m. in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and in memory of
Jim Kaufman and Lora Colabianchi.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer
City Clerk