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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 2015.11.16 Burlingame City Council November 16, 2015 Approved Minutes 1 BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL Approved Minutes Regular Meeting of November 16, 2015 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 Cathy Baylock. 3. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Brownrigg, Keighran, Nagel, Ortiz, Root MEMBERS ABSENT: None 4. REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION There was no closed session. 5. UPCOMING EVENTS Mayor Nagel reviewed the upcoming events taking place in the City. 6. PRESENTATIONS a. PROCLAMATION AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING Mayor Nagel introduced this presentation by briefly explaining human trafficking and its presence in the Bay Area. She stated that human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise and it is estimated that it is a 32 billion dollar industry. As a result of growing concerns over human trafficking the California Attorney General Kamala Harris has made it a priority. Mayor Nagel explained that Burlingame is part of San Mateo County’s countywide sex-trafficking and arrest team, which investigates cases and organizes sting operations throughout the county. Mike Brosnan, the Human Trafficking Program Coordinator at the San Mateo County Sherriff’s Office spoke about human trafficking. He thanked the City of Burlingame for joining with the other municipalities in the county to take a stand against human trafficking. He also stated that recently over 180 individuals, including hotel representatives, local businesses and municipalities took part in human trafficking training in San Mateo County. He thanked all that participated. Burlingame City Council November 16, 2015 Approved Minutes 2 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS Elaine Breeze discussed this year’s Turkey Trot in Silicon Valley and encouraged all to participate. Burlingame Resident Cynthia Cornell thanked Mayor Nagel for her years of commitment to the City of Burlingame and for assisting renters in the community. Mike Noce, Burlingame’s Recreation Coordinator invited the community to attend this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 4th at 5 p.m., outside of City Hall. Mike noted that the event will feature Christmas carols and Santa and that the Christmas parade will begin shortly thereafter at 6 p.m. 8. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Nagel asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any items from the Consent Calendar, none were pulled. Vice Mayor Keighran adopted the Consent Calendar; seconded by Councilmember Root. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote, 5-0. a. APPROVE THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2, 2015 CC Hassel-Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meetings of November 2, 2015. b. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE UTILITY FUNDING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BURLINGAME AND THE SAN MATEO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (SMCTA) FOR THE REHABILITATION OF CITY-OWNED SANITARY SEWER FACILITIES IN THE US 101/BROADWAY DPW Murtuza requested Council approve Resolution Number 98-2015. c. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING TWO CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY SERVICES TECHNOLOGY ACT GRANTS IN THE AMOUNTS OF $4,998 AND $6,900 City Librarian McCulley requested Council approve Resolution Number 99-2015. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. EXTENSION OF AN URGENCY MORATORIUM ON NEW APPLICATIONS FOR MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES, COLLECTIVES, GROWING OPERATIONS, AND RELATED USES City Attorney Kane reviewed the staff report requesting an extension for the moratorium on new applications for marijuana dispensaries, collectives, growing operations, and related uses for another year. She stated that Burlingame is currently undertaking a major revision to its General Plan. Accordingly, by extending the moratorium for a year, the City would be able to bring marijuana regulations in line with the revised General Plan. As well, recent state legislation (Assembly Bills 243 and 266, and Senate Bill 643, collectively known as the “Medical Marijuana Regulation & Safety Act,”) clarify that local jurisdictions can regulate and/or ban Burlingame City Council November 16, 2015 Approved Minutes 3 marijuana-related establishments. However, local jurisdictions must also impose additional mandates. Accordingly, City Attorney Kane advised the Council that the additional year on the moratorium would allow the City time to research the mandates and review other municipalities’ responses. City Attorney asked Council to open the discussion up to a public hearing. She also explained that in order for the moratorium to be extended, the Ordinance would need to pass with at least 4 affirmative votes. Mayor Nagel requested that the City Clerk read the proposed Ordinance. Councilmember Brownrigg moved to waive further reading and introduce the Ordinance; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote, 5-0. Mayor Nagel opened the public hearing for comments. There were no comments from the floor, and the hearing was closed. Councilmember Brownrigg made a motion to approve Ordinance Number 1923; seconded by Vice Mayor Keighran. The motion was approved unanimously by rollcall vote, 5-0. 10. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS a. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION Mayor Nagel noted that the Council had interviewed excellent candidates for all three Commissions. She stated that the Councilmembers would be voting by ballot on each commission. Mayor Nagel stated that the Council would be voting to appoint four members to the Beautification Commission (three for three year terms and one for a one year term). Mayor Nagel opened the item for public comment, no one spoke. CC Hassel-Shearer gave each Councilmember a ballot to vote for three candidates for three year terms and one candidate for a one year term. After the ballots were tallied, Mary Hunt, Mary Ellen Kearney and Richard Kirchner were appointed for three year terms, ending November 6, 2018. Leslie McQuaide was appointed for a one year term, ending November 6, 2016. Mayor Nagel thanked all candidates and congratulated the four appointees. b. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Mayor Nagel stated that the Council would be voting to appoint two members to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Mayor Nagel opened the item for public comment, no one spoke. CC Hassel-Shearer gave each Councilmember a ballot to vote for two candidates for three year terms. After the ballots were tallied, Claire Schissler and Karen Malekos Smith were appointed for three year terms, ending November 6, 2018. Mayor Nagel thanked all candidates and congratulated the two appointees. Burlingame City Council November 16, 2015 Approved Minutes 4 c. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION Mayor Nagel stated that the Council would be voting to appoint two members to Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission. City Attorney Kane stated that Laurie Simonson had withdrawn her application for the commission for personal reasons. Mayor Nagel opened the item for public comment, no one spoke. CC Hassel-Shearer gave each Councilmember a ballot to vote for two candidates for three year terms. After the ballots were tallied, Christopher Bush and Howard Wettan were appointed for three year terms, ending November 6, 2018. Mayor Nagel thanked all candidates and congratulated the two appointees. Councilmember Brownrigg stated that the City was indebted to the service of Laurie Simonson. He explained that during the Commission interviews, Council learned that the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) needed structure. Accordingly, Councilmember Brownrigg suggested that a committee be formed to advise the Council on how to provide structure and obtain grants for BPAC. He suggested that Laurie Simonson be on this committee as she had stated her willingness to help with BPAC. City Attorney Kane responded by stating if Council wished to take action on Councilmember Brownrigg’s request, the Mayor has the authority to appoint ad hoc committees on particular items. However, she advised that the item would need to be placed on the agenda. DPW Murtuza added that he is preparing a staff report on how to structure the BPAC. d. ANNUAL REPORT OF SUSTAINABILITY ACTIVITIES Sustainability Coordinator Sigalle Michele discussed the sustainability activities that the City undertook this past year. She stated that when the City Council held their goals session in January, one of the goals was “strive to promote more environmentally sustainable polices and outcomes” with five supplemental goals: (1) make progress on climate action plan; (2) make city facilities, practices, and emissions more sustainable; (3) establish Burlingame as a green and clean business mecca; (4) understand the threat of sea level rise on the City; and (5) enhance recycling efforts. She explained the City’s progress regarding renewable energy and energy efficiency, including adopting 4 Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs. PACE is a way for citizens to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy by attaching the cost of the project to the property’s annual tax payments. As well, Sigalle Michele explained the city has promoted Peninsula Sunshares as a way for citizens to get discounted solar panels. Lastly, she stated for energy efficiency the City received a grant from the California Energy Commission to conduct an energy audit at five government facilities. Next she discussed the work the City accomplished this past year in terms of: 1. Recycling and Waste – the City completed a waste audit with Recology to identify ways the City can reduce waste and improve recycling in City buildings. As well, Recology awarded Burlingame a grant to install recycling bins on Burlingame Avenue. 2. Water Conservation – Sigalle explained that the City launched a free sprinkler nozzle program that allows citizens to receive up to 25 free water-efficient sprinkler nozzles. Burlingame City Council November 16, 2015 Approved Minutes 5 3. Alternative Transportation – Sigalle highlighted the electric vehicle charging stations that were installed at the Burlingame Caltrain Station. As well, the City participated in the Bike to Work and Bike to Shop days to promote bike riding for commuting. Sigalle briefly explained her work on both the Climate Action Plan and the City’s Sustainability Action Plan stating that these would be her main focus in the coming year. She also stated that she would be working on a renewable energy project and expanding bicycle and electric vehicle use in Burlingame. Councilmember Brownrigg thanked Sigalle Michele for her hardwork, especially in light of the additional mandates that have come down from the State and the drought. He also discussed the City’s hope for a more robust shuttle service that would decrease emissions and traffic. Vice Mayor Keighran asked about the County of San Mateo Energy Watch Program’s campaign for small local businesses. She stated that while the Mayor of Burlingame sent over 700 letters to businesses for free energy audits only 8 signed up. Accordingly, she asked if there were ways Sigalle could follow up with local businesses. Sigalle replied that she would look for additional methods to reach local businesses including working with the City’s economic development specialist. Vice Mayor Keighran ended by commending Sigalle on her hardwork. Councilmember Root thanked Sigalle for her efforts and contributions to the community. e. UPDATE REGARDING RAILROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT BROADWAY AND BAYSWATER AVENUE CROSSINGS DPW Murtuza reviewed his staff report which was an update regarding safety improvements at the Broadway and Bayswater Avenue crossing. The Director of Engineering and Construction for Caltrain, Liria Larano spoke to address what Caltrain was doing in order to increase safety at these intersections. She stated that Caltrain immediately increased the presence of transit police for enforcement and education of drivers. As well, she explained that Caltrain is painting markings on the pavement at the intersections to identify the areas where cars should not stop. Liria Larano discussed the feasibility of “quad gates” at the Broadway and Bayswater intersections. She explained that the purpose of “quad gates” is to prevent vehicles from going around the gates when the gate is down. Therefore, this would not have prevented the accidents that occurred at these two intersections as they were caused not by cars moving around the gates but by cars stopping too close to the tracks. DPW Murtuza added that signs were installed at the intersections warning individuals not to stop on the tracks. Liria Larano stated that the long term goal of Caltrain was that by working with the City and Caltrans, southbound traffic would be diverted away from Broadway to minimize congestion. She also discussed the City’s efforts to obtain grade separation as a permanent solution. Councilmember Brownrigg asked about “quad gates.” He stated that he had brought this idea up at the October 7th meeting and that the reason was not because cars are going around the gate but rather because it is the back end of the car that is getting struck by the train. Accordingly, his idea with the “quad gate” is that it would act as an immediate recognition to vehicles that they are in danger if the gates come down around them. Liria Larano stated that the second gate wouldn’t come down if the car is on the tracks because it is a safety precaution so as to not trap the car on the rails. Burlingame City Council November 16, 2015 Approved Minutes 6 Vice Mayor Keighran asked Police Chief Wollman what was the general reason individuals gave for being inside the do not enter zone at railroad intersections. Police Chief Wollman stated he felt that people just weren’t paying attention to the space they were in and misjudged the lights. He stated that by putting the reader board up at these intersections it might help to deter individuals from stopping too close to the tracks. Councilmember Root asked who was in charge of these intersections and the safety. DPW Murtuza stated that the safety improvements are done in concurrence with the approval of CPUC. Councilmember Ortiz stated that he was happy with the solutions that were being offered up, however he understood that the only permanent solution was grade separation and wanted to know where the City was with regards to that project. DPW Murtuza responded by stating a staff report would be ready for the Council in January. Councilmember Ortiz reminded the community that this meeting would be incredibly important, as grade separation would change the appearance of that section of the City and therefore he encouraged all to come and participate in the discussion. Mayor Nagel opened the discussion up to the public. Burlingame resident Lou Schaffer stated the Broadway intersection was part of his normal commute and that he hoped to see a police presence at that intersection to ensure the safety of citizens in the community. Burlingame resident Lisa Lang stated that she used the Broadway intersection multiple times a day and she voiced her concern over people changing lanes on the tracks. 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 Vice Mayor Keighran asked if the City could look into whether realtors disclose protected trees on property and if the City could enforce realtors to make this disclosure. Councilmember Brownrigg seconded this request. 13. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS October permit activity. 14. CEREMONIAL a. RECOGNITION OF COUNCILMEMBER JOHN ROOT Mayor Nagel began by acknowledging her long working relationship with John Root. She stated that he’s been in elected office for longer than any other Burlingame City Councilmember. He served two terms as a governing board member for the Burlingame School District, and two terms as a governing board member for the San Mateo County Board of Education. Mayor Nagel continued by discussing his longstanding desire to volunteer and give to the community of Burlingame. She stated that the reason that the Council chose John Root to finish out Jerry Deal’s term was because he came to every meeting, offered his help and was always willing to work hard. Burlingame City Council November 16, 2015 Approved Minutes 7 Councilmember Root commended Mayor Nagel on her hardwork and dedication to the community and called her a true public servant. He continued by thanking the Council for teaching him the ropes and helping him get up to speed on the issues in Burlingame. He discussed the spirit of collegiality and how the Council was able to get along while still stating their differing opinions in order to come to a decision that was best for the community. Councilmember Root stated that the City was fortunate to have City Manager Goldman as she had established a good team around her and was able to assist the Council in making tough decisions. He also thanked the staff and department heads in Burlingame for their hardwork. Mayor Nagel next presented Councilmember Root with a proclamation for his service to the City. b. RECOGNITION OF MAYOR TERRY NAGEL Vice Mayor Keighran congratulated Mayor Nagel for her many years of dedication to the community, stating it started prior to her time on the Council with her assistance on the definition of floor area ratio. As a City Councilmember, Mayor Nagel was mayor three times and on the Council for 12 years. Vice Mayor Keighran commended Mayor Nagel on her expertise in many areas including; the Burlingame neighborhoods, disaster planning and transportation. She stated that Mayor Nagel was one of the most dedicated Councilmembers she had ever met and thanked her for her service. Vice Mayor Keighran presented Mayor Nagel with a proclamation discussing Mayor Nagel’s work as a staff reporter and editor for a variety of esteemed publications. As well, Mayor Nagel’s work to organize individuals in the community to demand better power service from PG&E, also known as “BULB”. Mayor Nagel spoke stating that she was honored to have served the City of Burlingame for the past twelve years. She highlighted some of the City’s achievements in the past years; paying down unfunded liabilities, increasing property values, streetscape on Burlingame Avenue, the library renovations and many other accomplishments in public works, fire, safety and infrastructure. Mayor Nagel thanked the city employees and department heads for their dedication to the City of Burlingame. As well, she thanked the citizens of Burlingame for their work in the City from funding the library renovations to giving their time and volunteering for different projects. She also urged the City to find ways to help the renters, ease the housing crisis in Burlingame, create safer intersections and move forward with grade separation. Brian Perkins from Representative Speier’s Office spoke presenting Mayor Nagel with a proclamation thanking her for her dedication to the community. Burlingame residents Stan Moore and Nirmala Bandrapalli and former Hillsborough City Councilmember Christine Krolik thanked Mayor Nagel for her service. Councilmember Brownrigg thanked Councilmember Root for his “graciousness” and Mayor Nagel for her “tirelessness”. Councilmember Ortiz discussed how Mayor Nagel was the hardest working Councilmember and Councilmember Root’s dedication to the community. Burlingame City Council November 16, 2015 Approved Minutes 8 15. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Nagel adjourned the meeting at 9:56 p.m. in memory of Vince Quintana. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Meaghan Hassel-Shearer City Clerk