HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1977.10.05 r
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A G E N D A
STUDY MEETING
October 5 , 1977
1 . San Mateo County Surface Runoff Managment Plan
2 . Utility Systems Service Extension Financing Possibilities .
3 . Financing Policies for Funding of Capital Improvements
1 . Revenue Bonds
2 . General Obligation Bond (voted )
3 . Savings .
4 . Refuse Disposal Preparation and Development
5 . San Mateo County Arts Council Mural Program
6 . Other
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BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL l
. STUDY MEETING - October 5 , 1977 �
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COUNCILMEN PRESENT : AMSTRUP , CROSBY , MANGINI , MARTIN
(Mayor Harrison was absent)
STAFF PRESENT : SCHWALM, COLEMAN , KIRKUP , MILLICAN , SWAN If
Vice-Mayor Crosby convened the study meeting at 8 : 00 p .m. in Conference
Room B of the Burlingame City Hall . 4
1 . SAN MATEO COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL MURAL PROGRAM
Mrs . Jeanette Rotolo , representing the Burlingame Civic Arts Council , described }
to the meeting the County sponsored program which employs six artists through 1
CETA financing who are available for interior murals for public buildings and
exterior murals for both public and private . buildings as cities may wish to
designate . She explained that the cost of the labor of the artists is covered
by the CETA program , and usually the cost of materials is paid for by the city
or private property owner . In the case of Burlingame , the Civic Arts Council
anticipates making arrangements for the cost of materials used upon any project
chosen . It was pointed out that projects must be within a specified area on
the census tract map . Councilman Mangini noted that the only public buildings
within the specified area are the corporation yard and one fire station . It k
was pointed out that projects proposed outside the designated area could be under-
taken after approval by application through Manpower . Mrs . Rotolo introduced
those of the artists who were present , including Nick Larson , a former Burlingame ;
resident , who presented an extensive slide show of representative work of the
artists engaged in the program . Vice-Mayor Crosby suggested that the Burlingame j
Art Council come back to Council with recommendations . Mrs . Rotolo said the
Art Council will explore locations , designs and themes and will make recommenda-
tions . Councilman Crosby thanked Mrs . Rotola and the artists for their
presentation .
2. SAN MATEO COUNTY SURFACE RUNOFF MANAGEMENT PLAN
Mr. Kirkup referred to his memorandum to the City Manager summarizing the plan , !
for San Mateo County Surface Runoff Management ( 208 Program) and the information
from Pacifica and memorandum from the County Planning Director attached to it. j
He is not convinced there is a problem of surface runoff in the overall program
to keep the Bay and ocean clean of contaminants , so far as the City is concerned . i
We are affected in four areas : to attempt public education , eliminate litter and
automobile waste , infiltration , and sewer overflows . One item of concern is that
we do not have a program for storm drain and general cleanup except. during the
storm season . {
There will be nine months or a year within which a plan must be developed .
The Environmental Protection Aoency will be issuing area permits , but scope of
the area is questionable . In Mr. Kirkup ' s opinion the area should not be less
than county wide . A permanent agency is proposed to modify and improve plans
each year . Two proposed agency formations are set forth , with a recommendation
which is a modification of both . One proposal is an agency composed of four
county representatives , four city representatives and two representatives from
county special districts . It would appear that the county representatives could g
then control such an agency . The second alternative is a permanent county agency .
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The recommendation is a combination of both alternatives: a lead agency and
a steering advisory committee. The plan when approved by the county (some time
this month) will go to ABAG and in turn will be integrated with plans of other
counties in the Bay Area into a regional surface runoff plan. ABAG has tenta-
tively agreed that, if any change is made by them, it will come back to us for
review.
In response to Councilman Crosby's request for an opinion, Mr. Kirkup stated
that he is concerned that the result may be permits issued which will force
major costs upon the City to control runoff. The permits could be enforced by
withholding of federal funds. A monitoring system would have to be set up to
take samples and, if discharge requirements are not.met, the City would be fined.
One request is for increased street sweeping during storms, and everyone seems
to favor vacuum sweepers. Our sweepers are not operated during storms because
they do not function well in that situation. San Jose is presently exploring
vacuum sweepers under funding by ABAG, so the City will have a report on that
study. Councilman Martin commented that ABAG expects to have a report in March
or April .
Councilman Martin said this is a preliminary plan for runoff, but air polution
and solid waste studies will also be made and included in the final reports.
Although he has asked that the economic cost of plans be shown, this report
plans upon cities and commented that, while a proposed plan meets state and
is the only one that does so. He discussed the severe financial impact of the
federal standards, the standards have never been challenged, nor has there been
an analysis of the cost to meet the standards. He stated that he does not be-
lieve the San Mateo County plan will meet the standards of the Environmental
Protection Agency, and he believes it is vital that the citits consider the
economic consequences and challenge the standards which have been set. He
pointed out that the regulations are not set by ABAG where there is an oppor-
tunity for representation, but by the Environmental Protection Agency where
there is no opportunity for recourse.
Mr. Kirkup stated that there will be a meeting of the steering committee next 4
week. Councilnan Amstrup questioned whether the requirement that the Environ-
mental Protection Agency consider 'the economic and social impacts had been
discussed by the committee. Mr. Kirkup stated that he will attend the meeting
of the steering committee with the Board of Supervisors on October 11th and
will represent the City as directed by Council .
Council Amstrup questioned the method of challenging the state and federal
standards. Mr. Kirkup suggested the Council of Mayors. Councilman Martin
stated challenge could be made at the ABAG general assembly. He stated that he
agreed with Mr. Kirkup's comments. and would like to attend the meeting with him. l
Councilman Mangini questioned the source of financing. Mr. Kirkup responded
that the state legislation has SB-90 disclaimers,and 87h% is to be funded by
the federal and state governments and 12�,% locally. Councilman Martin added
that 80 to 87 % will be funded, but cities still have to pay 12? to 20% and,
If it isn't done, revenue sharing and any other funds may be withheld.
Councilman Crosby asked Mr. Kirkup to present Council 's thoughts at the upcoming
meeting and report on what they say about challenging the .state and federal
standards.
3. UTILITY SYSTEMS SERVICE EXTENSION FINANCING POSSIBILITIES
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Mr. Schwalm introduced this matter as asking Council to make a determination
of whether or not it wished to develop other methods of obtaining revenue to
improve the major utility system. This can be done by a development charge
on a city wide basis , a charge on new developement, or by assessment district.
Councilman Crosby called attention to the difficulty at the last Council meeting
of determining what a fair share of cost would be for a project.
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Mr. Kirkup reported that all of the area was, developed under assessment ,
but that studies now indicate that service was not adequate for restaurants ,
etc . Council may wish to add the cost only to redevelopment and new }
development , or add the costs by charge with the water meter , sewer
connections or building permits . Councilman - Crosby , in response to the
observation that there were many proposed projects in the area east of
the freeway , commented that there will be the same problem on each project .
Mr. Keyston stated that though he felt the Anza land should pay for some
things like traffic, he had seen a staff report on water allocating too much
cost . At the time of the original assessment district the water system was i
designed for restaurants and the proposed projects under consideration . He #
felt that the residential district near Oak Grove had benefited from the prior
assessment district . The original design was at the City specifications for at
least the uses now contemplated and he feels it unfair to have further assess-
ments against the land . Councilman Mangini noted that what appeared to be {
requested was an ordinance and asked whether there was urgency . Mr. Kirkup
responded that if there is too long a delay there won ' t be anything to charge
against , and there could be collection at the building permit , water meter or
connection charge stage . Councilman Martin stated that the request applies
only to water and he feels it should be enlarged to include sewer and
signalization . However, considering water only , if zoning conditions have
been met and assessments paid , he did not think fees should be increased . I
In the King Building situation there were two areas of exceptions . He feels IIh
that a reasonable charge can be assessed where a project doesn ' t meet zoning . '
Mr. Keyston said that an application will be coming in shortly for improvements
in a C-4 area , but all the improvements will drain into a M- 1 system . Mr . Swan
said there had been some consideration of rezoning that for office buildings -
in the East Millsdale district . The use is more intensive . Councilman Martin i
stated that it would automatically comply if the land were rezoned . Mr . �
Coleman clarified that Council is not establishing rates but establishing
council discretion ; that Council does not want to get away from a bargaining
situation .
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4. FINANCING POLICIES FOR FUNDING OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
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Mr. Schwalm stated that in connection with the proposed five-year capital t
improvement plan it was considered prudent to think about possible sources
of income as well as compile an inventory of capital projects . Mr. Kirkup
prepared an excellent memorandum discussing sources of revenue and it would
be well to have the five-year capital improvement plan show planned sources
of financing . The memorandum was presented to get Council feedback on how
Council wished to plan future financing of capital projects . He observed
that general obligation bonds had not been a successful attempt in the past .
The use of revenue funds would require revenue from charges . Councilman
Martin stated that a general obligation bond issue could pass if the need were
adequately established and presented effectively to the electorate . Mr. Kirkup
stated that the current water rate includes capital improvement funds . Refer-
ing to the water report he stated that in a five-year plan phases one and two
can be completed within five years , or it can be extended over ten years .
Councilman Mangini questioned whether water and sewer improvements should not
be covered by charges . Mr . Kirkup said that sewer improvements can be covered i
by bonds ; that the general fund has become strained so ravenue bonds could be I
sold and state subvention could be used .
Mr. Millican in explanation of procedures said the subject is before Council
now because staff is cataloging projects considered by Council and financing
should be planned concurrently . The financial situation of the City is as
described earlier in the year . There is about 34 .million established for
capital projects : 1 million for the police station ; 1 million for gas tax
projects ; 450 thousand each in the sewer outfall and Bayside Park funds ; and
350 thousand for the Broadway overpass . The City collects $200 ,000 in revenue
sharing which runs out in 1980 and $150 ,000 in gas tax . In effect all of the
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projects where cash is not put aside compete for $200,000 which will expire
in 1980. There is a question of whether water and sewer improvements should 4
be financed by charges. His recommendation is that, in the case of a g
project where the needs are pressing, the City consider a borrowing situation.
In an inflationary economy the City can borrow at 5h% and let whoever buys
the bonds take care of inflation. Therefore in the case of a pressing project
not in water and sewers, Council may wish to consider general obligation bonds.
Councilman Martin suggested that Council first determine what priorities are
going to be established and then consider sources of financing. Councilman j
Amstrup agreed and asked if the list of proposed projects could not be sub-
mitted to Council before January. Mr. Millican stated that the list could
be reviewed at about the time it goes to the City Manager except that the
projects must go to the commissionsto get their input. Councilman Martin
stated that the department headswill reflect the commissions ' determinations. a
Councilmen Amstrup and Martin requested that the information be presented to
Council by early December if possible.
5. REFUSE DISPOSAL PREPARATION AND DEVELOPMENT (GOLF COURSE) f
Mr. Kirkup reported that Architect Bob Graves has been proceeding on the golf
course layout and driving range and now has preliminary grading and irrigation
plans. Preparation of the report to go to the Regional Water Quality Control i
Board to get a permit for the dump closure is under way. The golf course
design calls for minimum green coverage so the fill will have to be compacted i
In answer to Councilman Martin's question about the soil report, Mr. Kirkup
said it indicates that the fill will be surcharged and compacted with expected
settlements of one or two feet. One of the first projects is the driving
range. They would like to grade that site but it calls for the relocation of
the sludge ponds. Councilman Martin called attention to the BCDC comment on `
convention center use of reclaimed water which might seep into the Bay. Mr.
Kirkup indicated the Regional Water Quality Control Board has more to say about
that matter and he had talked to the individual who has been checking and has i
submitted an application for use of reclaimed water. In answer to Councilman
Martin's further question he said the reaction of the Water Resources Board
looks good - we are on the list and within their controls. The project is
approved on the local level and that agency has been contacted regarding
closing of our dump site. He reported that his department is trying to get
fill dirt. Mr. Keyston suggested that if a tractor is available there is an
almost continuous supply of dirt out of the Airport which could be used for
the golf course. Also this summer a major sewer program in San Francisco will
be commenced with dirt available at about $12 a load. There is a problem of #
budgeted funds for equipment to get the dirt. Mr. Kirkup added that there was
also a need for funds for pipe for the sludge pond which have not been budgeted.
In addition he said there is a water main that runs through the dump which will
be under three greensand the elevated tees. He suggests relocation of that
major main, which will be a large project. Councilman Martin directed that
Mr. Kirkup make arrangements to get the available fill .
In addition, Mr. Kirkup reported receipt of a letter from the Scavenger Company
about the new solid waste site in San Carlos which will be in operation in late
1979. Councilman Amstrup asked if the possibility of using the pickup service
alternately for garden pickup and trash pickup had been investigated. Mr. Kirkup
stated that the scavengers are not receptive to that because the crew really
isn't set to handle large trash , so the result will be an increase in the costs.
Councilman Martin stated that the timing isn't too bad. If the golf course is
started next summer, the middle of 1978, the dump wouldn't have to be closed
until then. There may be just about 18 months requiring interim service.
The final matter, Mr. Kirkup said, is the problem of the location of the
filter press which is scheduled to go into operation early in '78, with full
operation in March of '80. There is also the problem of disposition of sludge
until the press goes into operation. He estimates that the cost to haul it 1
away will be approximately $100,000 a year. He would like to have an approximate
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date for closure of the dump because he will have to try to make arrangements
with San Mateo. Councilman Martin responded that if the convention center
goes there will be three months, and if it doesn't go the golf course will
have to be renegotiated, so it would seem that a decision would have to wait
until a definite determination of the golf course. j
Mr. Kirkup asked for guidance on the location of the filter press. The project !
originally had a 35 foot building, but has ended over 45 feet high. The site
originally considered was toward the Bay because of the convention center and
golf course. Council may wish to have it located away from bay frontage. 1
Councilman Martin asked why the building has to be above ground. Mr. Kirkup
said the water table elevation is only 3 feet, so we can go down only 4 feet,
and the lowest section of the building is the drive-through. Councilman Martin
suggested that a determination be made whether the building can be lowered B
feet. In answer to Mr. Kirkup's question about preferable site, Councilman
Martin requested the building be located away .from the Bay on Site 3.
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6. OTHER - PEAT, MARWICK, MITCHELL BILL
Mr. Coleman reported that because Peat, Marwick, Mitchell has been doing the
City's auditing he and Dave Millican thought we might get advice on the kind
of audit system and protections we should have in the convention center docu-
ments, and also get some idea of whether they would like to have the contract
for auditing on the project if it is decided upon. A lunch was set up in San
Francisco with two people from that office, Paul Dinkelspiel and Scott Sollers. -- ,
They indicated there was an expert on hotels in the Los Angeles office. He
came to San Francisco from Los Angeles for a meeting and studied the feasibility
report, giving a letter with his opinion. Not too long after we received a bill
for $2,900. It was Mr. Coleman's understanding that nothing was said about
retaining the firm as consultants; that they were talking to us in anticipation
of getting future business. There is a problem in that Hornblower-Weeks would
like some more advice from Mr. Sandor in Los Angeles. Mr. Cropper of the San
Francisco office estimates that the additional services would cost from $1 ,700
to $3,000. Mr. Coleman feels from the' time-charge statement that at most half
of the $2,900 would be justified. Mr. Millicancalled attention to a provision
in the City's contract with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell which requires a formal
arrangement for consulting services. Councilman Martin indicated he would like
to see the opinion -before deciding on the problem. Mr. Coleman said he did not
want to bring it to them at the present time because it has bargaining aspects
and if it were brought to Council it would become a public document, but that after
Ken Jones is through putting the documents together - within a few weeks - it
would be distributed. Councilman Crosby questioned the involvement of Peat,
Marwick, Mitchell in the convention center and Mr. Coleman explained that Horn-
blower-Weeks
orn blower-Weeks felt it would be good to get advice on what should be in the docu-
ments from an auditing standpoint, and they seemed to be logical people to do
the work. Mr. Millican explained that when a public agency asks for services,
it is normal to provide the services without setting out everything before it
is billed. Councilman Martin stated that the City should not have been billed
without a prior statement that it would be billed. Mr. Coleman asked about ad-
ditional services services, which are answers to some questions Mr. Sollers has
raised. Council authorized payment of $1 ,500 for additional work and instructed
Mr. Coleman not to process the $2,900 bill for services.
Councilman Amstrup asked when the convention center matter will be ready for
Council consideration. Mr. Coleman responded hopefully it would be ready within
a few weeks. He reported that there is some pressure to get the EIR before the
Planning Commission on October 12th, but that H.K.S. would not be able to have
the report by that time. There was general agreement that Council had determined
it would be presented to the Commission meeting on October 26th.
The meeting adjourned at 11 :00 p.m. ,
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Notes: A. Keating -5- ;