HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1977.07.13 AGENDA
STUDY MEETING
July 13 , : 1977
7 : 30 p . m .
1 . Interview with Consultants
7 : 30-J . H . K . Associates (Traffic )
8 : 00-Drachman & Associates (Traffic )
8 : 30-H . K . S . , Inc . (Planning)
9 : 00-John Blayney Associates (Planning)
2 . Flood Plain Requirements
3 . Bayswater Undergounding - PG&E Funds
4 . Sewer & Water Rate Adjustments .
5 . Police Department Staffing
6 . Charitable Organization Permits
7 . Police Motorcycles
B . 1977- 78 Budget
9 . Parking of Large Vehicles in Residential Areas
10 . Retention of Insurance Consultant
11 . Library Assistance from Hillsborough Contingency Fund
12 . Other
BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Study Meeting
July 13, 1977
PRESENT: MAYOR HARRISON, COUNCILMEN AMSTRUP, CROSBY and MARTIN
(COUNCILMAN MANGINI absent)
MR. SOMMER, MR. SCHWALM, MR. COLEMAN, MR. KIRKUP, MR. MILLICAN,
MR. SWAN, MR. HOFFMAN, MR. WAGNER, CHIEF PALMER, MRS. BERGSING
The study meeting convened at 7:30 for the purpose of interviewing
J.H.K. Associates and Drachman & Associates regarding the traffic impact study,
and H.K.S., Inc. and John Blayney Associates regarding the land use impact
study, both as proposed by Council at a previous meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 for a recess and reconvened at 9:35•
1. BAYSWATER UNDERGROUNDING
Mr. Kirkup reminded Council that it had requested PG&E to report on order of
�- magnitude of proposed undergrounding projects, and had also requested at a
previous study meeting the PG&E be advised of the City's decision to proceed
with the smaller project for undergrounding on Bayswater. He reported a letter
was received from Mr. Brian Laheney of PG&E dated June 2nd, and that Mr. Laheney
and Larry Gullickson were at the meeting, as well as Mr. Kohlenberg, to discuss
the contents of that letter and determination of the choice of proceeding with
undergrounding at Bayswater or on Donnelly Avenue as suggested in Mr. Laheney's
letter of June 2nd. Mr. Kirkup added that there is a fire alarm on Bayswater
Avenue of which he was not aware at the last study meeting and that its under-
grounding would add to City expenses for that project. Mr. Laheney and Mr.
Gullicksen addressed the meeting. Mr. Gullicksen reported that of the seven
plans for proposed undergrounding they are now looking at two: from east of the
railroad tracks down Bayswater to the west side of Highland Avenue, and Donnelly
Avenue. On the former there are two high voltage distributor circuits which
greatly increase the cost of undergrounding. Also, under Rule 20, PG&E doesn't
put in new poles. By far the most expensive operation would be going under the
railroad track and next most expensive was to come up on the west side of the
railroad with the necessity of two riser poles there. The engineers had come
by the proposed Bayswater project on the way to the meeting and noted that the
Chevrolet people will also have to underground, but they will be left with two
riser poles. Usually on a project which meets the Rule 20 and PG&E requirements
the minimum cost is $75,000 because of the need for 600 feet on both sides of the
street. The reason the cost per linear foot was lower on the Bayside project is
because of the length of the project.
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In response to Councilman Martin ' s question about the cost of going under the
railroad he was told the estimate was reduced only from $110 ,000 to $85 ,000
because the high expense of four risers remained in the shorter project. The
longer project would involve 100 more feet of trenching. Mr. Gullicksen ex-
plained the need for two risers at each end of the undergrounding and said not
more than one riser could be placed upon a pole.
Mr. Laheney explained that the estimate for the Donnelly Avenue had not been
included with the estimates for other projects on the priority list but was
submitted in his letter of June 2nd. After looking at the Donnelly project it
seemed the City would benefit by the greater amount of undergrounding which could
be accomplished for the funds available. Councilman Martin asked the number of
services on Donnelly. It was determined there are about ten and several taps to
Burlingme Avenue services , but the project would include all of Donnelly Avenue
to the Crocker Bank Building which is already undergrounded. The Bayswater pro-
ject will affect four services , three of which are Mr. Kohlenberg ' s , and the
Chevrolet service. Councilman Martin questioned the cost to individual property
owners of changing to underground service and was told it would cost from $1 ,000
to $ 1 ,500 minimum. In answer to Councilman Martin ' s question Mr. Gullicksen
stated that after undergrounding there is a splice box flush with the pavement
and Councilman Martin pointed out that it would be trading a pole for a trans-
former box, so you haven ' t gained much , and Mr. Gullichsen agreed you haven ' t
so far as parking is concerned .
Councilman Amstrup asked for clarification of the extent of the Bayswater
project. Mr. Laheney explained that essentially there are three poles that
would be removed in the shorter project. Those are between Highland and California,
and two poles between California Drive and the railroad would remain . On the
larger scale project the entire section from the west side of Highland and under
the railroad tracts would be removed , and that would be $ 110 ,000. On the east
side of the railroadthere would be two risers , but there would be no poles between
Highland and the east side of the railroad. On Donnelly Avenue the project would
remove all the overhead lines on the entire length of the street . Councilman
Martin added that there would also be a cost of about $1 ,000 per service to the
users .
Mayor Harrison questioned the source of funds to cover the cost of $110,000 for
the larger Bayswater project. Mr. Kirkup explained that there is about $45 ,000
remaining from funds allocated for 1977, there would be $60 ,000 allocated in 1978,
and the City would have to borrow the difference from the 1979 funds . The Tele-
phone Company has the policy that where PG&E undergrounds they underground. We
do meet the requirements of Rule 20. Council has the prerogative of chosing the
project and directing Staff to set a hearing. At the hearing you can abandon the
project , change the project, or go forward as noticed . Councilman Amstrup pointed
out that a merchant taxpayer wants to improve Auto Row. He suggested that the
difference of not going under the railroad is only $25,000 and he felt a hearing
should be set . Mayor Harrison questioned Mr. Kohlenberg ' s commitment. Mr .
Kirkup repeated that he had missed the fire alarm system in the first block and
the City ' s cost would depend upon how far we go. There would be some electroleers .
He wished to emphasize that the project would require Bullis Chevrolet to under-
ground, but the hearing can be set for the first meeting in August and the property
owners will then be notified . Councilman Crosby asked if Mr. Bullis was aware
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of these considerations . Mr. Kohlenberg stated he had not yet talked with
him about it . Councilman Martin questioned whether Mr. Bullis must change
his service. Mr. Laheney responded that he must supply trenching and service
from his box.
Mr . Kohlenberg said that aside from the engineering aspects of the order of
magnitude study, he would like to comment . He compared the number of car
agencies years ago and the number now and the greatly increased volume of
sales necessary to maintain an agency. There are 13 dealers on Auto Row who
handle some 18 or 19 makes of car. None of the dealers has enough room, but
all want to be there because being together draws more business . At best the
appearance of automobile agencies is not good . What he is trying to do is to
upgrade the facility. Though this is a lot of money for the number of linear
feet , he feels it is a must .
Councilman Crosby questioned whether the 1973 priority list means anything any
more. Mr. Kirkup pointed out the suggestion in Mr. Laheney ' s letter that the
undergrounding committee be reactivated. In 1979 the matter of undergrounding
will be before Council again . Also, he has talked to the City Attorney about
the possibility of changing the code provisions regarding undergrounding. The
code reads that if users don ' t have their lines ready, their service may be cut
out . It seemed an alternate way of handling the matter would be to complete
the service if it is not done voluntarily and put the cost on the tax bill .
Mayor Harrison said at the time of the hearing the matter of reactivation of
the undergrounding committee would be discussed . Mr . Kirkup called attention
\.. to the time involved in the process of undergrounding . The order of magnitude
report was requested in December, and the Donnelly Avenue figures were not
received until June.
2 . FLOOD PLAIN INSURANCE
Mr. Schwalm stated that , although this matter has been before Council before, we
have reached the place where we have to comply with the requirements of the
federal government to avoidsaactions . The deadline is here, and we are required
to put things on the books to require construction to meet federal requirements .
Mr. Kirkup said that the date could be stretched and the City Attorney would
like to determine the code section which required changes . Originally it was a
voluntary program; two years ago it became mandatory. Should the City ignore it ,
if there were a city project federal funds for the project will not be available.
Mayor Harrison asked if his recommendation is that the City draft an ordinance.
Mr. Kirkup said it would be very short. Councilman Martin pointed out the state-
ment in Mr. Kirkup ' s memo that one can ' t get federal loans . He asked if that is
in the legislation . Mr. Coleman said he assumed that it is . Mr. Kirkup stated
that his department is getting calls weekly from title companies and escrow agents
asking if property is in the hazard zone. Councilman Martin pointed out that the
requirements are going to be ridiculously expensive. The law eliminates all bank
and savings and loan loans under the GI , and the hazard zone includes property
on Easton . He wonders if all the people know they are paying $2 and $3 a month
for flood insurance for thirty years . Mr. Kirkup said the Engineering Department
has been fighting this map for some time because we can do some service to people
by getting them excluded. Mayor Harrison directed that the ordinance be prepared.
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3. SEWER AND WATER RATE ADJUSTMENTS
Mr. Kirkup advised Council that there are two phases for Council to consider.
The first is a water increase. We have received the July 1st billings under
the new San Francisco rates. Our water rate is based on a given amount of water
being consumed each year. In the month of April water consumption was down 52%
of 1976 use, and in June 48%. Based on that 50% of the projected revenues came
in. We recommend that Council adopt a 14 cent rate increase, to go into effect
on August 1st. The sewer fees original were based on a study. We looked at it
after getting tests on high contributors to our service, particularly Marriot and
the caterers and restaurants. Based on that result it was determined they were
being undercharged. We recommend that the rate for residential users go to
27 cents instead of 32 cents, but during rationing it be set at 36 cents; that
restaurants be raised to 88 cents and $1 . 17 for the duration of rationing;
and that industrial food processers and hotels be monitored and charged $221
per million gallons, which is a substantial increase. Burlingame is the only
city that collects its sewer service charge on the amount of water being used.
Other cities do it on a flat fee and add it to the tax bill . Mr. Millican can
tell you that last year, when we started rationing, we lost about $100,000.
Mr. Millican added that we could get a $150,000 loss on sewer rates taking into
account the lesser water consumption. Based on 25% there would be a $150,000 loss.
The budget doesn't contemplate outright transfers from the general fund into the
utility fund so we have to determine some way to arrange to borrow temporarily to
cover the deficit. Mr. Kirkup continued that sewer rates are set by ordinance,
so there is a first and second reading and a thirty-day referendum period.
Councilman Amstrup conceded that rates will have to be raised. Mr. Kirkup said
Hillsborough's raise is 50% and ours is a proposed increase of 15%. Mayor
Harrison pointed out we are still $150,000 short and asked for recommendations.
Mr. Millican said it looks like we are going to have to make up about $135,000
this year. Therewill be approximately a $150,000 deficit this year unless this
reduction of consumption makes it more. Alternatives are to raise rates even
higher to recognize this as an unusual year and arrange loans from other funds
for this year, and over the next five years make up for what these funds lose
in this year.
Mr. Kirkup said the water study shows the need for major improvements which could
be delayed if we borrow from the capital improvements fund, and we are looking at
some additional improvements to get rid of our sludge problems. In 1979 it will
be necessary to look at rates again.
Mayor Harrison asked for comments. Councilman Martin summarized that Mr. Kirkup
was recommending a raise of 4 cents for the sewer rate on residential property
and 14 cents on water, or an 18 cent raise. Councilman Amstrup commented that
Council is forced to do it and there is very little else they can do. Mayor
Harrison asked what action is necessary. Mr. Kirkup said staff is awaiting
direction from Council . The increases could be set for August 1 or September 1 .
Mayor Harrison suggested a resolution for the next regular meeting. Mr. Millican
stated the new rates will carry us through next year but there is also the problem
of taking care of this year's $150,000 deficit. Mayor Harrison asked Mr. Millican
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to recommend some options . Councilman Martin suggested an urgency ordinance
on the sewer rates be prepared for the next regular meeting , effective
August lst. Councilman Amstrup asked Mr. Wagner if somebody on Staff
could prepare a write-up about the necessity for the rate increases for
inclusion in the Recreation Department Bulletin to be distributed at the
end of August. Mr. Schwalm said that he would take care of it.
4. POLICE DEPARTMENT STAFFING
Chief Palmer said his purpose in suggesting a change in staffing is to save
money for the City and at the same time increase the efficiency of his depart-
ment. The savings have increased with the new employees ' raise. Councilman
Martin said he had no objection to Phase 1 , but would like Phase 2 held up.
Mayor Harrison asked if the Chief could go ahead with Phase 1 , and give a brief
discussion of Phase 2. Chief Palmer said Phase 1 reduces the number of divi-
sions from 4 to 3 . Carrying that concept onestep further into the patrol , he
recommends the establishment of the designation Police Officer 2, an assignment
to be at the discretion of the chief, so that in the event the patrol sergeant
were not there people would know who would be the next person in charge. Right
now there are a number of people on a shift , and he suggests that one of these
people be appointed into the designation of Police Officer 2. They would not
receive a rank designation because that runs into problems . There would be a
21% increment . If the detective or inspector came off, he would lose the pay.
Councilman Martin said the effect of the program on other departmens concerns
him. The same situation exists to some extent in the Fire Department . Mayor
Harrison asked if there is a like situation in the Library and Park Department .
Chief Palmer said it is not a job classification . By keeping it as an assign-
ment it is easier to control . It is not as difficult to change assignments as
to change classifications . Councilman Crosby said that in reading Mr. Schwalm' s
memorandum it seemed it is a scheme for higher salares for some patrolmen .
Chief Palmer said he looked at it as a management tool . He is looking at incen-
tives in the department. If you look at a cross section every lieutenant and
sergeant is under 40 with the exception of Quinn . If the concept is approved by
Council it will not be implemented until December. Criteria for assignment
would be set . In answer to Councilman Martin ' s questions about the specific
criteria , Chief Palmer explained the initial guidelines are minimum time in the
department , recommendation from the supervisor, examination of sick leave and
performance records . In addition a request for the assignment would have to
be submitted , and selection for the assignments by four of the best qualified
officers in the department.
Mayor Harrison asked Chief Palmer to write up more specific criteria for Council .
Chief Palmer said he would and asked if he might proceed with Phase 1 . There
was no objection .
5. CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS
Mr. Coleman explained that almost weekly there are inquiries about requirements
for solicitations in Burlingame, and the purpose of the proposed ordinance is
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to require permits so that we will know who is soliciting on our streets .
Mayor Harrison asked if it would affect Girl Scout cookie sales . Mr. Coleman
assured him they wouldn ' t be affected; that the purpose is to require regis-
tration and knowledge of what solicitations are taking place. Chief Palmer
commented that in the past the March of Dimes has contacted the Police Department,
and with that type of organization that is all they have to know. He felt that
for citizens ' protection we would like to know who is out there and in the
neighborhoods . Mayor Harrison said he thinks it is a good tool and has no
objection . Councilman Martin said he would like to draw it as easy as possible.
Councilman Amstrup saw no object to solicitors obtaining a permit . Councilman
Crosby asked how people find out they need a permit. Chief Palmer replied
that the citizens are pretty good about letting the Police Department know.
Mayor Harrison directed that the ordinance be presented at the next regular
meeting , and Councilman Amstrup suggested that notification about the permit
requirements be placed in the Recreation Department bulletin.
6. POLICE MOTOR VEHICLES
Chief Palmer referred to his memorandum and reported that the Cuernavaca police
would like to purchase the three motorcycles which would be replaced by new
Kawasaki machines if approved by Council . Mayor Harrison explained that repre-
sentatives of Cuernavaca were attending an international sister city conference
in Tucson and would be coming to Burlingame at its conclusion to take possession
of the motorcycles and make payment . Chief Palmer stated that Harley Davidson
would purchase the bikes at low blue book value, but that the added police
equipment could not, by law, be sold . The City of Cuernavaca has agreed to
purchase the motorcycles at the Blue Book price with the full cost of the police
equipment added . At Councilman Martin ' s request he indicated $2 ,385 for the
1968 bike, $2 ,800 for the 1971 and $3 ,720 for the 1975 was the breakdown of the
$8,905 to be received from Cuernavaca. When questioned about the choice of
the Kawasaki , Chief Palmer reported it had done the best in the Los Angeles
Police Department testings , and its maintenance costs were nominal . The mainten-
ance costs on the American made Harley-Davidson are approximately $1 ,000 per
year. Mr. Coleman confirmed the reputation of the two machines . Councilman
Crosby noted that the City could do the lubs and oil changes but could not
perform the remainder of maintenance on the Harley-Davidson bikes . Councilman
Martin asked how the motorcyles would be delivered and how the funds from
Cuernavaca would be received. Chief Palmer explained that representatives of
the City would come to Burlingame with the funds and take delivery of the motor-
cycles here. Councilman Martin said on those conditions he would recommend
the sale of the old motorcycles and the purchase of the Kawasakis . Councilman
Amstrup asked if he were recommending approval of the $2,950 additional capital
expenditure in the 1977-78 budget , and Councilman Martin indicated he was .
All councilmen present approved the purchase and sale .
7. 1977-78 BUDGET
Mayor Harrison requested the Budget Chairman to initiate the review of the
operating budget . Councilman Amstrup said one of the things he would recommend is
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that when the final budget is completed we consider going to zero base
budgeting . To do that right would take $ 15,000 for a consultant to start
off , but we can get it started in a minor way. Mr. Millican added that zero
base budgeting will take about three years to implement , but there is a lot
we can do to define what we want to accomplish with that type of system, and
in a few years we can start seriously to use the procedure. Councilman Amstrup
stated he believed it would be a good idea for our city .
Another matter he wished to bring to Council ' s attention again is that our
expenditures are rapidly overtaking our revenues so that we are faced with a
deficit in the budget . It is a problem we are obviously going to have to
face in the future - cutting expenses , cutting personnel , raising the tax
rate , or going to additional sources of revenue . The City is in kind of a
state of limbo on the bayfront , the convention center, and police station ,
and tonight we talked about a problem on water and sewage.
Another item is training and safety . He said he would like to see how the
funds are used . He thinks a lot of department heads use this to attend
seminars . Training should be used for what it is . If we had a central fund
control it would be better. If there is no objections we could put it in one
fund as an overall program for the whole city as a simplification .
It seemed that at budget time, all of a sudden new projects come up. Council
should have a policy for a new project that the department should show how
much it will cost , if the money is allocated , and come to Council with the
information so Council will know that the money exists in the department or
where it will come from. Councilman Martin suggested that late items should go
to Mr. Millican .
Mr. Amstrup reported that on page 1 of the budget information the assessed
value has gone up by 17. 05%. There are changes on the secured land and improve-
ments , and personal property has dropped a bit . Our total assessed value is up
from 15 . 3 to 17 .05 . We don ' t know exactly what the inflation factor will be ,
but it may be 11 . 08. The assessed value went up 17% and our costs have gone
up 11 .08%. On page 2 , basically , we may be able to drop the tax rate initially
about 4 cents without pushing the budget hard.
Turning to the white book, Councilman Amstrup said he would like to comment on
several changes . Going to the City Council budget , page 1 , there is a miscalcu-
lation on salaries . We can cut $4,500 because, even with the councilmen ' s raise,
the total will be only $10 ,500, not $ 15 ,000 .
On the City Manager ' s budget , except for the City Manager and department heads ,
all raises have been included . There are no changes in that budget .
There has been an increase in the City Clerk' s budget for advertising and
contractual services from $ 1 ,800 to $2 , 700 for advertising and $3 ,000 up to
$3 ,300 for contractual services , an addition of $1 ,200 to the budget , which is
acceptable unless Council objects .
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Councilman Amstrup called attention to personnel changes on page 11 in the
Finance Director' s budget . That is not adding employees but shifting per-
sonnel from the water office. He recommends the Lanier Action Line so that all
the dictation machines in the City will be the same. He is also recommending
the chair replacement.
There are no changes in the Treasurer ' s budget.
In the City Attorney ' s budget there are two suggestions (page 19) • The City
Attorney is using his own car, and with the additional job of director of the
convention center he suggests adding $250 which he would like to add to account
number 12 . Another item is the addition of $200 to account number 29 • This
amount was inadvertently taken off , and it is the money used for court filing
fees and costs .
Mayor Harrison referred to pages 84 and 85 for the Recreation Department budget
and said there are no changes from the City Manager recommendations and depart-
ment requests . The only change he made in the budget was under carpeting .
The Manager recommended replacement of the carpet in Lounge 1 . After looking
into it he added Lounge 2 to the carpeting expense to make for continuity and
because at the time of bidding a good bid for both came in . Mr. Wagner added
that the carpeting man assured him the City can stay under $4 ,000 for both
lounges . Mayor Harrison continued that regular revenues for 1977 will have
been in excess of $ 19 ,000 over projected income , and expenditures are approxi -
mately $20 ,000 less .
On the Park Department budget (pages 88,89 ,90 and 91 ) there are no changes from
~` what the City Manager recommends . Councilman Amstrup questioned the increase
from $23 ,473 to $45 , 111 for CETA and anti -recession personnel cost . Mr. Hoffman
explained that the sum is added in the budget , but the money actually comes from
the Federal government. Councilman Amstrup asked if all of the money is refunded .
Mr. Millican called attention to the item under transfers in the special revenue
fund . Councilman Amstrup commented that we are not including the cost of equip-
ment . Obviously there have to be other costs besides salares , and somehow that
has to get into this budget . Mr. Schwalm said that could be reviewed , but
basically he thinks it will be found in the department budgets . Mr . Millican
added that the personnel involved will be mostly laborers .
On page 92 Mayor Harrison suggested that in accordance with the Manager ' s
recommendation the scooter should be cut out - $800 . Everything else remains
the same , so the change is the total for that page is from $4 ,545 to $3 ,745 •
There is a recommendation with regard to capital improvements . In the last four
budgets the need for an adequate park yard was discussed. The need has not
diminished , particularly in view of the advisability of meeting OSHA requirements .
Mayor Harrison met with Mr. Hoffman twice at the yard late in the afternoon , and
we agreed that , with a 550 square foot addition to the original plan , the second
phase which was submitted several years ago could be abandoned . The Beautification
Commission recommends the need for the yard improvements should be met . He asked
Mr. Hoffman to draw site plans with all the equipment in place , and referring to
drawings , he said page 1 shows the shed as it now is , and page 2 shows the pro-
posed addition with equipment in place. The amount of $20 ,032 is available from
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the previous appropriations for this construction (Project 113) , and there is
�-' $121 ,094 in the Park Maintenance fund from which $33,668 could be transferred
to cover the estimated cost of $53,700. Mayor Harrison recommended that the
proposed construction be authorized. Councilman Amstrup questioned OSHA re-
quiring the City to do this construction. Mayor Harrison said OSHA did not
require it, but if OSHA went to the existing shed it would certainly object
to the unsafe conditions. Councilman Martin asked what was recommended if
the building comes in over the estimate. Mayor Harrison said we will have to
get a lower bid. The estimate is based on last year's bid plus 15%, and the
additional 550 square feet at $70 or $80 a square foot. He said Joe Harvey
had helped with the estimate.
The Park Department has one CETA painter, and it is his recommendation that
two painters would be efficient, and, upon completion of the grandstand, they
could come to the Recreation Department and other City departments. Councilman
Martin asked if the recommendation is for two painters for 25 weeks and Mr.
Schwalm confirmed that it is. There was discussion of the utilization of time
and materials. Mr. Schwalm pointed out that the estimate for painting the
grandstand was in excess of $4,000.
Councilman Crosby referred Council to his letter of July 13th regarding the
Library budget. He said the Librarian had added $2,000 for additional expenses
as a result of the Hillsborough business but Mr. Schwalm decided to delete that
item and put in a contingency fund of $20,000. The $34,000 balance of the
$54,000 received from Hillsborough would go into the General Fund, because as
yet there is no experience or knowledge of what it is going to cost. The
NN Librarian has asked for authorization for half-time help to take care of pro-
cessing some of this work. Councilman Amstrup asked why the CETA people couldn't
help with the extra work. Mrs. Bergsing replied that the CETA people weren' t
programed to do other than inventory, and she doesn' t know how much you can
change the programing. The work outlines were written before the Hillsborough
contract. Councilman Crosby asked what happens if they are used for this pur-
pose. Mrs. Bergsing said that she would have to go back and go through a lot of
red tape to change the program. Councilman Martin suggested that the CETA program
administrators may not say a word, but the auditor may say no, and won' t give us
the money. Councilman Amstrup suggested that we ask them; after all we are
getting CETA people for the purpose of training them. Councilman Martin observed
that, if the bulk of the work will be in the next two months and it is an urgency
now, we may not be able to get CETA people going and trained to operate in time.
Mayor Harrison suggested getting high school or college people. Mrs. Bergsing
said that she had in mind people who have library experience, but we may be able
to get some at a lower cost. She said there have been 519 applications since
July 1st, and 400 of them are new. Last year we had about 700 cards all year.
Councilman Martin said he thinks the time to act is now; that we can't wait ten
days or two weeks. Councilman Amstrup pointed out that it is $1 ,450, or $750
for two moths. Mrs. Bergsing said she could use some money to put somebody
on tomorrow and then call CETA and hope to hire by the end of the month for
August, but she needs somebody now. Councilman Crosby clarified that she wants
to have part-time people come in for a couple of more hours a week. He con-
tinued that the City had added $34,000 to the General Fund, and we contracted
to supply service to Hillsborough, so we should do the work. Mr. Millican
said the $34,000 wasn' t going into the General Fund; the tax rate will be
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reduced 2 cents . Councilman Martin agreed with Councilman Crosby 's
recommendation. Mr. Millican reminded Council that this is not an addition;
there is an allocation of $20,000 in the contingent fund , so it is not adding
anything to the budget but indicating where it is to be spent. The $20,000
contingent fund is listed on page 79 under capital outlay.
Councilman Martin questioned the request for books and maps and commented that
it had not gone up. Councilman Crosby noted it had gone up less than $4,000 .
Mrs . Bergsing said the book jobber conservatively estimated a 6% increase in
the cost of books . Councilman Martin said that was his point ; he would like
to see the library' s excellent inventory maintained . If we start reducing that ,
over a long period of time it is going to hurt the library. Books cost money ,
and he doesn' t think we out to cut the number of books in the library because
of the cost of books . Councilman Crosby reported that the Libarian did not
want to cut the number of books . As can be seen on page 82 , she requested
$70 ,375 and it was decreased to $65,000. Councilman Martin said he is suggesting
that it not be cut . Councilman Crosby pointed out that there has been an increase
of $4,000 over last year ' s budget to take care of inflation . Mrs . Bergsing
explained that the first draft of the budget did not include the impact of the
Hillsborough contract , so in the subsequent draft $5 ,000 was added to cover the
impact it was going to have on the book collection . The City Manager took out
the Hillsborough figures and went back to the original budget request . Some
office expense was also budgeted in after the Hillsborough contract, but that
also was taken out. Councilman Crosby added that she had asked $17,000 for
utilities and the Manager cut it back to $15,000. Mr. Schwalm pointed out that
all departments were asked to cut their budgets 4%. Mrs . Bergsing continued
that the budget reflects a cutback in service hours which was discussed in Mr.
Crosby ' s memorandum. Councilman Martin commented that Councilman Crosby recom-
mends that the hours not be cut back. Councilman Crosby referred to his
memorandum and stated that if the libraries are closed as suggested there will
be a savings of $530 in utility costs and $5, 597 for personnel costs . Councilman
Martin questioned if the budget reflects shortened library hours , and was told
that it does . Coucilman Martin said that if the amounts are put back in the
contingency fund will be cut to $13 ,000. Mayor Harrison stated that we had made
a contract with Hillsborough, and he doesn ' t think we can cut back the service.
Councilman Crosby stated that the little money that is saved doesn ' t seem to
justify cutting back the library hours and he recommends against it. Councilmen
Amstrup , Harrison and Crosby agreed .
Councilman Amstrup suggested the budget discussions be adjourned to another
meeting . He said Public Works , Planning,W& the Police budget are still to be
covered , and he suggested Monday evening , July 25th .
8. INSURANCE CONSULTANT
Mr. Coleman referred to his memorandum concerning the Mund , Mc Laurin proposal for
continued services to provide insurance consultant advice for $150 a month .
Councilman Amstrup said he thinks that the proposal is good and that we need
expert advice on that subject. All councilmen present consented to the execu-
tion of the retainer letter by the City Manager.
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9• CHOICE OF TRAFFIC AND LAND USE CONSULTANTS
Mayor Harrison asked for discussion of the consultants interviewed at the
start of the study session to determine who such be designated to do the
traffic and land use studies of the Bayfront area. Councilman Amstrup said
he did not understand the need to hire two different kinds of consultants when
a decision had not yet been made about the convention center. If the convention
center project is pursued there will be a different set of circumstances. He
questioned if basically they are going to have to come up with two different
studies to cover whether or not the convention center is there. Councilman
Crosby stated that he was under the impression that Council had agreed at a
former study meeting that if the bond council and the consultants come up with
the right answer, the convention center would go, and he felt we could proceed
on the assumption that it will be there. Mr. Kirkup reported that the request
for proposals asks the consultants to consider the convention center as being
there, and the King office building, and those items of construction that were
identified as being there and going. The second phase would be land use, and
they would have to consider the convention center out if that were decided after
30 days. Councilman Martin said he thinks the convention center should be
considered separately and taken out if it isn' t there. Councilman Amstrup
observed that obviously the decision has to be made soon; however if it isn' t
there it will change the picture. Councilman Crosby asked about the studies
that have been done and why we need this study. He pointed out that Dave Keyston
said he had done a preliminary study. Mr. Keyston said Anza had done a study
as he pointed out to the consultants and to Mr. Swan. He said in his opinion
Anza will not build to 40% of the intensity anticipated at the time of the study.
L That is why the Anza people feel a little hurt about the holding up of building
permits when they come in with 7% of the office buildings originally planned.
He said he is in favor of doing whatever possible to get the studies on land
use done before the expiration of the 90-day moritorium. He had asked Mr. Swan
if he could come to the briefing meeting and reviewed the entire Anza master
plan, and explained it to the consultants, because the old master plan just won't
happen. The alternate he showed there indicated about 800,000 feet of office,
500 instead of 300 hotel rooms and 8 or 9 restaurants and 250 residential units.
But the plan will obviously have only a franction of the impact that Anza plans
of several years ago would have had.
Mayor Harrison asked for Council comments as to which consultant was preferred
to do the traffic study. Councilman Martin said that Drachman E Associates
had turned the problem around - Drachman said he suggests you do thus and so
to make it happen. He noticed Mr. Swan in his memorandum has an item for
personnel . He has a problem with H.K.S. He was interested in Blayney's report
on the economic aspects. He suggests that council make those designations, and
he noted that Blayney indicated he would be willing to work with the other
consultant. He said he was concerned with H.K.S's involvement in the convention
center and he would rather have someone else get a separate look. Councilman
Crosby said he agreed. Councilman Amstrup said he was reluctant to spend this
amount for consultants because he doesn't think we need this much at this time.
However, he would prefer Blayney also.
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Councilman Crosby asked Mr . Kirkup if this money can come out of gas tax
`- revenues . Mr . Kirkup responded that the traffic study can be funded out
of the gas tax funds . Mayor Harrison commented the M.T. C . has certain funds
available and asked if we could approach them to authorize money to help pay
for this . Mr. Kirkup responded that several people have been contacted
about funds , including M.T. C . Mr. Swan said that Nat Gage is in charge
of allocating money for different agencies from the Tansportation Development
Fund . He suggested that SamTrans has a fund which may allocate money for
transportation planning . Councilman Amstrup asked if there is any money for
land use in ABAG. Mr. Kirkup responded that we could explore that easily . He
had approached it strictly on the traffic basis , but he could approach it at
a staff level at SamTrans , and the City could use some contact from Council
at the board level . In that case it may be best to have the traffic as the
prime consultant so that if we get funds it can be used on both . Councilman
Amstrup asked Mr. Kirkup to get as much information as possible by the July
18th meeting. Councilman Martin requested that after Mr. Kirkup talks to
ABAG he let him know immediately what answer he gets from staff.
Mayor Harrison said he was impressed by Blayney , but he leaned toward H . K. S .
He said we have a decision from the majority of Council to go along with Blayney
and Drachman . Councilman Amstrup requested that staff find out what their
price will be working together.
9 . PARKING OF LARGE VEHICLES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Mr. Schwalm reported that the City Attorney is still working on the ordinance
to regulate parking of large vehicles in residential areas . Mr. Coleman added
that he would like to revise the description of vehicles affected as set forth
in the proposed ordinance. Councilman Martin pointed out that occasionally
homeowners rent big trucks over the weekend. Mr. Coleman said that is no problem.
Another situation is that a license contractor sometimes remains on a job , but
that can probably be handled by excepting a licensed contractor with a valid
building permit .
The meeting adjourned at 12 : 30 a .m.
Notes :
A. Keating
1
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