HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 2015.09.08
Burlingame City Council September 8, 2015
Approved Minutes
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BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Approved Minutes
Regular Meeting of September 8, 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 Karen Dittman.
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Brownrigg, Keighran, Nagel, Ortiz, Root
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
4. REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
CA Kane advised that Council met in Closed Session, direction was given, and there was no reportable
action at this time.
Mayor Nagel also stated that the Council met in an Open Study Session with the Burlingame School District.
5. UPCOMING EVENTS
Mayor Nagel reviewed the upcoming events taking place in the City.
6. PRESENTATIONS
a. INTRODUCTION OF SAN MATEO UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT KEVIN SKELLY
Mayor Nagel welcomed Superintendent Skelly to the community. Councilmember Brownrigg stated that he
looked forward to regular communication with the Superintendent in order to establish a good working
relationship.
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b. PRESENTATION ANNOUNCING THE JEFFERY T. GRIFFITH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Karen Dittman and Laura Hesselgren of the Burlingame Parks and Recreation Foundation honored the work
of Jeffery Griffith. Karen explained that the mission of the foundation was to raise funds that provide
scholarship assistance for enrollment in Park and Recreation programs. Accordingly, the Burlingame Parks
and Recreation Foundation honored Jeffery Griffith by naming the scholarship for him. Jeffery’s wife
Deborah was presented with a plaque in honor of Jeffer y’s work and commitment in the community.
Deborah presented the Burlingame Parks and Recreation Foundation with the first donation to the Jeffery T.
Griffith Scholarship Fund.
c. PRESENTATION OF A PROCLAMATION TO THE STUDIO SHOP RECOGNIZING 100
YEARS IN THE COMMUNITY
Mayor Nagel presented the Studio Shop’s owners, the Benson-Martin family, with a proclamation on their
100th anniversary as a retail store in Burlingame. Mayor Nagel discussed the shop’s history in Burlingame
including its longstanding tradition of giving back and volunteering in the community.
d. PRESENTATION OF A PROCLAMATION FOR BILL TOCI
Mayor Nagel presented Bill Toci with a proclamation thanking him for his 15 years of service as a Plant
Manager at the Waste Water Treatment Facility. Mayor Nagel also acknowledged that the relationship
between Veolia and the City of Burlingame is the longest public private partnership with a waste water
treatment facility in the United States.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Nagel asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any items from the Consent
Calendar and Councilmember Root removed item 8f. Mayor Nagel removed item 8a.
Vice Mayor Keighran made a motion to adopt items 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e of the Consent Calendar; seconded by
Councilmember Ortiz. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
a. APPROVE THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 17, 2015
CC Hassel-Shearer requested Council approve the City Council meeting minutes of August 17, 2015.
Mayor Nagel made a correction to 8e requesting that the terms of Commission members be listed on
www.burlingame.org. Mayor Nagel also corrected 9a, stating that residents who want their sidewalks and
driveways repairs can check with Public Works to see if they can include their job in the next city’s sidewalk
repair program and qualify for the lower pricing that the city receives.
Vice Mayor Keighran made a motion to adopt item 8a; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion was
approved unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
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b. OPEN NOMINATION PERIOD TO FILL TWO IMPENDING VACANCIES ON THE
TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND PARKING COMMISSION
CM Goldman requested Council call for applications for the two vacancies on the Traffic, Safety and
Parking Commission by October 9, 2015.
c. SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S
APPROVAL OF APPLICATIONS FOR DESIGN REVIEW AND A HILLSIDE AREA
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FOR MAJOR RENOVATIONS TO AN EXISTING SINGLE-
FAMILY DWELLING, INCLUDING FIRST- AND SECOND-FLOOR ADDITIONS, AT 2753
BURLINGVIEW DRIVE
CDD Meeker requested Council set September 21, 2015 as the hearing date for an appeal of the Planning
Commission’s approval of 2753 Burlingview Drive’s application.
d. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 18.07.130 TO THE CITY OF
BURLINGAME MUNICIPAL CODE CREATING AN EXPEDITED PROCEDURE FOR
PERMITTING SMALL ROOFTOP RESIDENTIAL SOLAR SYSTEMS
CDD Meeker requested Council adopt Ordinance No. 1920.
e. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BURLINGAME AVENUE
STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT BY ROBERT A. BOTHMAN, INC., CITY
PROJECT NO. 83150
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution No. 83-2015.
f. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC
SAFETY GRANT AND AMENDING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S OPERATING
BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015-2016
Police Chief Wollman requested Council adopt Resolution No. 84-2015.
Councilman Root asked Chief Wollman to give a brief description of the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)
Grant. Chief Wollman stated that this was the 4th OTS Grant (totaling $900,000) that Burlingame Police
Department (BPD) had received since 2012. Wollman explained that it was a collaborative grant that
included all 23 police departments in the County and CHP. He stated that through this grant traffic officers
are deployed once a month to each city in the County and that that the grant is also used for dui check points,
saturation patrols, training and to purchase equipment. Chief Wollman added that under the new OTS Grant
the County’s police departments will be holding bike rodeos in low income neighborhoods and providing
bike helmets to kids. The program has received two state awards and a national award.
Mayor Nagel thanked the BPD, especially Lieutenant Jay Kiely for writing the grant.
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Vice Mayor Keighran requested that the Burlingame e-newsletter include traffic and safety violation
statistics on people not wearing their seatbelts and on distracted drivers. Councilmember Brownrigg asked if
the weekly e-newsletter could also include statistics concerning the decrease in accidents as a result of this
program. Chief Wollman replied that he would work on this.
Councilmember Brownrigg asked how intersections were picked for patrolling. Chief Wollman stated that it
was based on different reports and traffic patterns. Councilmember Brownrigg asked that the Floribunda and
El Camino Real intersection be looked at. Chief Wollman stated that it would be.
Councilmember Root made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 84-2015; seconded by Councilmember
Brownrigg. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. PUBLIC HEARING TO INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER
13.20.010 OF THE BURLINGAME MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD STOP SIGNS AT
VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE CITY
DPW Murtuza reviewed the staff report discussing the request to amend ordinance 13.20.010 to add four
stop signs in the City at: (1)Rollins Road at Toyon Drive, (2) Quesada Way at Ray Drive, (3) Highway Road
at Mills Avenue and (4) Ray Drive at Balboa Avenue. Murtuza stated that staff reviewed public requests for
six additional stop signs in the City and presented the information to the Traffic, Safety and Parking
Commission (TSPC). From this presentation, TSPC decided against recommending stop signs at the
following intersections: (1) California Drive at Murchison Drive and (2) California Drive at Trousdale Drive.
Murtuza added that the reason the staff and TSPC decided not to recommend these two locations was
because of the potential adverse impact the stop signs could have on traffic queuing.
Murtuza then discussed the need for the four new stop signs including: safety of the pedestrians, concerns
about the number of accidents, and the speed of drivers through these neighborhoods.
Councilmember Brownrigg stated that his concern at the Quesada Way and Ray Drive intersection was not
the traffic on Quesada Way but rather the traffic on Ray Drive. Accordingly, he questioned whether the staff
looked at putting the stop sign on Ray Drive instead of Quesada Way. Murtuza stated that under the law the
continuing street does not get the stop sign but rather the intersecting street (which would be Quesada Way).
Council then discussed their concerns about traffic on Ray Drive. Council asked that staff create signage
that would alert drivers that pedestrians would be crossing.
Mayor Nagel requested that the City Clerk read the proposed ordinance. Vice Mayor Keighran made a
motion to waive further reading and introduce the Ordinance; seconded by Councilmember Brownrigg. The
motion was approved unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
Mayor Nagel opened the public hearing and Burlingame Resident Nirmala Bandrapalli spoke. Mayor Nagel
directed the City Clerk to publish a summary of the proposed Ordinance at least five days before its proposed
adoption.
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b. INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BURLINGAME
AMENDING CHAPTER 15.06 OF THE BURLINGAME MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD
ADDITIONAL PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS FOR VIOLATION
OF WATER SHORTAGE EMERGENCY RESTRICTIONS
CA Kane reviewed the staff report and stated that the City has thus far exceeded the state water reduction
targets. However, she stated that because of the severe drought, the City needs to ensure that it has adequate
enforcement tools to address particular cases of overuse. CA Kane explained that the purpose of the
proposed Ordinance is to add regular code enforcement mechanisms such as $100 fine per day and
administrative hearings to prevent and penalize cases of excessive use of water. CA Kane stated that the first
approach would always be education, but if an individual continuously violates the water shortage
restrictions, this Ordinance would provide the City with options.
Vice Mayor Keighran asked if excessive water usage was a problem in the City. CA Kane said that the City
had received some complaints and usually through education they were able to bring people into compliance.
However, in some cases CA Kane explained, the City had a more difficult time bringing the individual into
compliance.
Councilmember Brownrigg questioned the $100 fee a day. CA Kane said the penalty fee just referred to
existing code provisions concerning violations of the municipal code. Councilmember Brownrigg stated he
felt the penalty was excessive. CA Kane explained that the penalty would be used when people refused to
moderate their water usage after continuous warnings. She further explained that having this penalty gave
the City another tool if an individual refuses to comply. Councilmember Brownrigg stated he felt that the
penalties should be capped. CA Kane explained that there was a state cap.
Councilmember Ortiz wanted to ensure the rule would be applied uniformly. CA Kane stated that like all
code compliance issues, if they can bring the individual into compliance they don’t fine the individual, it is
when the individual refuses to comply that fines may be necessary.
Mayor Nagel pointed out that the City had surpassed the goal of 16% of water conservation in May by
conserving 25%, June 37% and in July it was at 35%.
Mayor Nagel requested that the City Clerk read the proposed ordinance. Vice Mayor Keighran made a
motion 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 hearing and no one spoke. Mayor Nagel directed the City Clerk to publish a
summary of the proposed Ordinance at least five days before its proposed adoption.
10. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a. DISCUSSION OF RESPONSE TO BROADWAY/US-101 CLOSURE
CM Goldman reviewed the staff report concerning the City’s response to the Broadway/US 101 closure. CM
Goldman noted that because the incident happened on US 101, the City was not the lead agency in charge.
Instead CHP, Caltrans and PG&E were in charge of the incident. She further explained that the City’s
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communication and safety efforts were spearheaded by an interdepartmental team of the BPD, Central
County Fire Department (CCFD), Public Works and the City Manager’s Office.
CM Goldman briefly reviewed the incident stating that a contractor working for Caltrans struck a high-
voltage PG&E tower, causing the tower to buckle. High-voltage lines fell onto the Broadway overpass, the
pedestrian crossing and both northbound and southbound US 101. Luckily, this incident resulted in zero
injuries. In response to the incident, the Transportation Management Center (TMC) issued a Sigalert
informing motorists that the lanes were blocked and activated 55 overhead electronic changeable message
signs. BPD and CCFD closed down the highway in both directions. City and partner agencies publicized
the closure of the freeway, recommending that people stay off the roads and eleven SMC Alerts were issued
during the weekend.
DPW Murtuza stated that staff installed over 100 barricades with “Road Closed” signs, sand bags and traffic
cones to control traffic. DPW Murtuza explained how traffic was diverted to alternative routes. He
explained that Smart Corridor, although not finished, worked and was able to alert drivers of alternative
routes.
Fire Chief Kammeyer and Police Chief Wollman reviewed the work of their respective teams in responding
to the emergency. Wollman stated that his staff arrived on scene first, and after assessing the situation
immediately went into action shutting down all access points to the highway and pedestrian walk way.
Once, the area was shutdown, they worked on maintaining the barricades and disseminating information to
the public via SMC alerts and social media. Kammeyer stated that when his team arrived on scene they
worked with Caltrans and PG&E to coordinate efforts and keep individuals with live wires on their cars in
their cars until PG&E was able to shut off the power. As well, Kammeyer stated he worked on
communicating information via twitter and other platforms. Both Wollman and Kammeyer stated that they
were proud of their respective teams’ response to the incident.
Councilmember Root commended the City in effectively controlling the situation and distributing
information.
Mayor Nagel commended the City’s handling of the emergency and stated she had requested this item be
placed on the agenda to not only review the City’s response but also to discuss possible suggestions on how
to deal with future emergencies. Mayor Nagel suggested that an emergency communications plan and a
unified communications post would be beneficial for future emergencies. She explained that these would
help eliminate duplication of effort and streamline the message to the community.
Councilman Ortiz asked for a clarification on the need for central communication. Mayor Nagel clarified
that while the emergency was not the City’s it would be good for there to be a countywide plan in place for a
central communication post to be activated when an emergency occurred. She stated that this would allow
for a consistent message throughout the County.
Vice Mayor Keighran stated that duplication of information was a good thing. She stated that the amount of
information she was inundated with and the SMC alerts kept her properly informed. Vice Mayor Keighran
went on to state that most importantly people were kept safe, and that the crisis was handled properly and
that it is after the crisis and safety are handled that information is released. Vice Mayor Keighran
commended city staff and all individuals involved for getting the job done and getting the job done
efficiently and effectively.
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CM Goldman stated that this week’s e-newsletter had an article about how to sign up for SMC alerts as it is
the best way for people to stay informed.
Councilman Brownrigg asked if the City was able to put in a claim to the contractor for the overtime of City
employees. CA Kane stated that the City would be looking into monetary recovery.
Mayor Nagel opened the discussion up to the public. Burlingame Resident Jennifer Pfaff spoke.
b. CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION REGARDING THE TRAFFIC SAFETY AND PARKING
COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION RELATIVE TO CALTRANS’ PROPOSED EL
CAMINO REAL AND FLORIBUNDA AVENUE INTERSECTION SAFETY PROJECT
DPW Murtuza reviewed the staff report explaining the history between Caltrans’ proposal at the El Camino
Real and Floribunda Avenue intersection and the City’s request that a less invasive approach be tried first.
Murtuza explained that TSPC had also been working to resolve this issue and improve the safety of the
intersection without removing trees. However, TSPC was frustrated at the lack of a response from Caltrans
on less invasive approaches. Therefore, TSPC is recommending that the City take proactive and pre-emptive
action, and not wait any longer for a response from Caltrans. TSPC’s recommendation to the Council is that
the City prohibits all eastbound traffic onto Floribunda Avenue from El Camino Real.
DPW Murtuza explained that staff believes that taking such action will have serious implications for the City
including: (1) harm the ongoing negotiations between the City and Caltrans, (2) create responsibility and
liability issues for the City and (3) if the City takes action on its own, it could be considered “adverse
encroachment” on the State’s rights of ownership to El Camino Real. Murtuza stated that he didn’t believe
the time had come for the City to take unilateral action.
Councilmember Brownrigg asked Murtuza what the deadline is for when the City needs to take unilateral
action. Murtuza responded that it would be if the EIR is certified, as it would be a signal that Caltrans’
project is moving forward. CA Kane stated that certification of the EIR is a decision point that allows both
the Council and citizens to challenge the report.
Mayor Nagel stated that the feedback the Council received from Caltrans is that they are still assessing the
project. Mayor Nagel went on to discuss the negotiations that the Council had with Caltrans and that a lot of
good suggestions were made on how the City could work with Caltrans long term to assess the safety of El
Camino Real. Mayor Nagel also shared her concern that the suggestion of TSPC to unilaterally forbid left
turns into Floribunda would damage negotiations with Caltrans and open the City up to liability.
Vice Mayor Keighran concurred with Mayor Nagel. Vice Mayor Keighran expressed her frustration but
stated the City had to follow the process and take into consideration liability concerns. Vice Mayor
Keighran asked if State Senator Jerry Hill had been made aware of this situation. CM Goldman stated that
she has been keeping his office in the loop. Vice Mayor Keighran suggested that CA Kane look into
possible options that could limit the City’s liability in the future.
Councilmember Ortiz asked who would be responsible for signage if eastbound traffic from El Camino Real
onto Floribunda Avenue was prohibited. DPW Murtuza presented slides of what the necessary signage
would look like and stated that Caltrans would have to agree to the signs.
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Councilmember Root asked if prior to implementing TSPC’s recommendation the City would need to
conduct a traffic study. DPW Murtuza explained that this would be part of it, and that if done properly the
City would need to be able to explain effects of their proposal on neighboring streets’ traffic to Caltrans.
Mayor Nagel opened the discussion for public comments. Burlingame resident Jennifer Pfaff and Nirmala
Bandrapalli spoke about the ongoing frustration that is being felt by the community and the need to protect
the trees on El Camino Real. Traffic, Safety and Parking Commissioner Jeff Londer spoke about why the
Commission decided to propose this plan. Traffic, Safety and Parking Commission President John Martos
spoke and requested that the Council keep TSPC informed about communications with Caltrans.
Councilmember Brownrigg stated he understood why TSPC was requesting the City prohibit eastbound
traffic onto Floribunda Avenue from El Camino Real as he was concerned that the City might wait too long
before taking action.
Councilmember Ortiz voiced his concern that Caltrans would push their project through and so he stated that
while TSPC’s action might not be the correct action for the City to take, that the City should come up with a
plan of action.
Mayor Nagel commented that Caltrans’ decision to remodel the Floribunda Avenue and El Camino Real
intersection was a result of an increase in accidents at the intersection. She suggested that if the City could
show a decrease in accidents that it may help in limiting Caltrans’ project.
Mayor Nagel stated that the Council was requesting three things: (1) a deadline by which the City must
receive a response from Caltrans on the letter the City sent; (2) staff should begin exploring the City’s legal
options if negotiations with Caltrans do not move forward; and (3) talk with state officials about the issues
with Caltrans’ project.
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 Ortiz requested an update on the bike lane project/proposal.
13. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Nagel adjourned the meeting at 9:41 p.m. in memory of Joan Gillard and Tom Byrne.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer
City Clerk
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