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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1978.12.06 BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL Study Meeting December 61 1978 PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS AMSTRUP, BARTON, CROSBY, MANGINI, MARTIN Staff: Schwalm, Coleman,- Kirkup, Yost, Hoffman, Wagner, Fricke Mayor Crosby convened the Study Meeting of the Burlingame City Council at 8:45 p.m. on December 6, 1978, in the Council Chambers of the Burlingame City Hall. 1. COUNCIL DISCUSSION OF THE PROCEDURE OF HEARING ON REPORT OF BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION Mayor Crosby noted the large number of people present due to an erroneous notice delivered to homes announcing there would be a public hearing on a proposed tree/view ordinance. He explained that the notice had not originated from the City and the subject which appeared on this meeting's agenda would be a discussion of procedure for con- sideration of the report, and that there would be no public hearing on the matter at this meeting. After Council discussion a public hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, January 10, 1979, for public input and Council study. Thereafter, should Council direct staff to prepare a proposed ordinance, another public hearing would normally be conducted at the meeting following introduction of the ordinance. 2. JOHN BROWNING'S PROPOSAL FOR A GOLF FACILITY Mr. David Carr addressed Council to introduce Mr. Browning's proposal for a golf driving range and sport center to be constructed in lieu of a nine hole golf course and driving range on the dump site property at the waterfront. He stated that Mr. Browning, a financial consultant and several construction consultants were present at the meeting to discuss the written proposal submitted by Mr. Browning. Mr. Browning with the aid of drawings and aerial photographs explained his proposal for development of approximately 43 acres of City property in three phases. The first phase, involving 16 acres, would consist of a lighted and sheltered driving range, 2 putting greens, a modern pro shop, a coffee shop and an enlarged parking area which would serve (� the present ball field as well. Phases 2 and 3 would be completed in the future to meet the sports needs of the community as they may develop. He envisioned a 50 meter swimming pool which he said was greatly needed in the area because the closest competitive size pool is-located in Santa Clara. He felt the future, when Phase 3 'will be-planned, may 1 indicate a community need for a soccer field, miniature golf, tennis courts, or perhaps a marina. He also urged the need for a building ( to serve as a convention center or a small theater. "• Council questioned abandonment of the concept of a nine hole golf course, and pointed out that Robert Graves had prepared plans and William H. Sherman had prepared a feasibility report for such a course at Council's request. Mr. Browning responded that he con- sidered the dump fill subject to settlement which would make the use impractical; that the land area limitations would make too small a course with a dangerous condition caused by hit balls without a very high fence; and that the sports needs of the community would be better served by facilities in addition to golf. Mr. Ralph F. Clark addressed Council on the financial aspects of Mr. Browning's proposal. He stated that although financing of this type of project without municipal liability is extremely difficult, his associates are presently prepared to finance Phase 1 in its entirety. A commitment on Phases 2 and 3 was not yet available, but they would work diligently with the City to bring about what is best for its recreational purposes. Mr. Clark answered Council questions regarding the proposed rental and percentage of gross income set forth in Mr. Browning's proposal. In response to Council request Mr. Clark said he would prepare more detailed financial information. He added that he and his associates had talked with people on hotel row and with the Chamber of Commerce and everyone seemed to approve the plan. He repeated Mr. Browning's desire to work with the Recreation Department toward a complete sports recreation program for the populous. Council discussed the concept of a nine hole golf course which had been under consideration since the early 19601s. They questioned the contentions of unsuitability of the site for that purpose in the light of Mr. Graves' two architectural designs and Mr. Sherman's feasibility report. Council requested staff to contact Mr. Graves for his opinion and to request Mr. Sherman to up-date his study. Mr. Clark stated that he and his associates had conferred briefly and would be willing to pay consulting fees for Mr. Graves and Mr. Sherman if the matter is seriously being considered. Mayor Crosby suggested that Mr. Sherman's study be updated and that staff determine with him and Mr. Graves when both could be present at a study meeting when Mr. Browning's proposal would be presented in more detail and staff's concerns would be expressed. Mr. Kirkup said he would give Council information as to a possible time when Mr. Sherman and Mr. Graves could be present at its meeting of December 18th. 3. SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CHARGE (Councilman Martin not participating) �.. Mr. Kirkup stated that after Council decision that no residential development would be permitted in the Bayfront area the Planning Commission was asked to monitor development and traffic levels, and Council asked the Commission and staff to consider a development charge. Staff presented its Progress Report as of November 30th, on Development Policy for the Anza Area. Based upon the report 2 and staff's presentation Mr. Kirkup asked direction and an indication of whether staff is proceeding in the manner Council wished. Mr. Yost reviewed the memorandum. He pointed out that an essential element in considering traffic improvements is the determination of land use because of varying traffic generated by specific uses. Within C-4, choices of use are broad, and perhaps Council would like to consider the designation of preferred uses for specific sites. He referred to the five goals listed on pages 2 and 3 of the memorandum: 1. That development be consistant with transportation system capacity; 2. That maximum access of the public to water areas be maintained; 3. That development should yield the highest revenue to cost ratio; 4. That the best quality development be obtained; and 5. That a visually attractive development result. Staff recommendations to -accomplish the goals are (1) a designation of uses to be permited; (2) quantity of land to be reserved for each use; (3) determination of preferred locations for each use; and (4) further input from property owners regarding land advailability and commitments. It was also recommended that Drachman Associates be employed for further study of traffic impacts as they may be needed in the future in connection with the planning of necessary traffic improvements. \ Council expressed approval of the progress report; especially the concept of emphasis of development upon hotel, restaurant and recreational uses. Referring to Exhibit A of the report, Mr. Yost was questioned as to methods for monitoring land use and de- velopment for these purposes and so that transportation capacities are not exceeded. Mr. Yost responded that a quota system may be advisable. With respect to hotel site designations, he pointed out that the City had never contacted major hotel chains for indication of which sites would be preferable for that use by those in the industry. Councilman Amstrup proposed that he talk with Mr. Steen of the Convention and Visitors Bureau who might be able to pursue inquiry through the Bureau. Mr. Coleman stated that during the convention center studies contact was established with accounting firms from whom he can request information on the subject. Councilman Amstrup and Councilwoman Barton urged the need for criteria and guidelines which should be established as speedily t as possible before applications for permits are received. High priority should be established for hotels and restaurants and uses that would insure public access to the waterfront. 3 Mr. David Keyston stated that he had received a copy of the progress report, but had not been consulted in the development . of the proposed plan. He commented that the plan shown on Exhibit A was not workable because too much land was earmarked for office use. He said he had developed a plan which he felt would work without any traffic improvements. His plan contemplates 30 years for hotel absorption instead of 20 years and includes 13 acres of office/warehouse. It also includes an interim park and fly and continuation of the drive-in theater with the expectation that the traffic problem will be relieved by the time its lease is up; but, should traffic permit earlier, the drive-in could be put to office/ warehouse sooner. He commented that there are solutions to pre- vent the type of problem which might develop when an owner is not permitted to develop his land. He pointed out that the Blayney report cited office/warehouse as a major source of sales tax income. He referred to Exhibit B of the progress report relating to the development charge discussion requested by Council, and indicated the Anza Shareholders Liquidating Trust would not object to the concept as long as the 100% development charge is not considered. He suggested that rather than base the concept entirely on parking or traffic, that parking, traffic and peak traffic generations should be considered. Mayor Crosby inquired about the status of negotiations with the R. State relating to the freeway on-ramp. Mr. Kirkup responded that he had received a letter stating that State funds have been com- mitted for the next five years and that the City will have to pay for the entire improvement. Though the State indicates nothing will be inserted into the program, he is working with them, but he added that he felt Council might contact our legislators. Also, it may be necessary to review proposed improvements in the water- front to reduce the cost, and come back to Council with a more definitive report. Mr. Kirkup explained that the 25% development charge for the Bay- front Area was mentioned in his memorandum to the Planning Com- mission; the 40% amount is what was used in the parking district, and 100% is the extreme charge. He said he believes there will be difficulty if existing property is included unless after an election. He believes the Planning Commission favors the 40% charge. Mayor Crosby stated that he believed all improvements in the waterfront should be included, as well as improvements along Peninsula Avenue. Council approved staff's procedures as presented to Council and requested further study moving toward a resolution of the problems along the lines reported in the progress memorandum, including consultation with Mr. Drachman, and a further report to Council in January. 4 OTHER 1. .Request to maintain flower stand - Suzanne Croghan Mr. Schwalm introduced Ms. Croghan who submitted a request for a permit to sell flowers from a stand to be located on the side- walk between two potted trees front of the Arcade. After Council discussion of the impact upon traffic and other merchants, it was decided not to grant an exception to the City's ordinance pro- hibiting this type of sidewalk vending. 2. Study session meeting room Councilman Amstrup requested that a study be made toward arrange- ing a conference room larger than Conference Room B for study meetings so that it would not be necessary to move those meetings to the Council Chambers when a large audience is present. He suggested the Finance Department might be consolidated to make the present ,dater Office available as a meeting room. 3. Rat bait program Mr. Schwalm requested permission to use $400 to $500 for the purchase of additional rat-bait to continue the rat extermination program until the end of the fiscal year. There was no Council objection. 4: United States Sister City Association Mr. Schwalm requested authorization to pay the annual membership dues for the ensuing year. There was no Council objection. 5. Suggested user charges Mr. Schwalm distributed a list of proposed user charges for consideration by Council. The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 a.m. Notes: A. Keating 5