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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1976.12.08 A G E N D A STUDY MEETING Wednesday, December , 1976 8:00 P.M. 1. Director of Finance Position 2. Review of Draft - Convention Center Agreement 3. Sign Ordinance 4. Refuse Disposal Operations Alternatives 5. Automotive Department Analysis and Report 6. Citizens Advisory Committee in Conjunction with Compiling of Housing Element 7. Sludge Handling Report - Acceptance of, For Next Step to Regional Water Quality Control Board 8. Next Undergrounding of Utilities Street Project. 9. Patio Resurfacing at Recreation Center Request for Resurfacing with Asphalt rather than Slurry Seal. 10. Planning Department Completing Commission Minutes for Council. 11. Capital Improvement Projects. 12. Miscellaneous a. Removal of Softball Lights---will be undertaken if no objection. b. One Hour Free Parking for Christmas---will be provided if no objection. c. Report of Self-Insurance to replace Present Insurance, which Travellers will not renew. BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL Study Meeting J December , B, 1976 COUNCILMEN PRESENT: MANGINI , AMSTRUP , CROSBY , HARRISON , MARTIN (9 :40) STAFF PRESENT: SCHWALM, SOMMER, KIRKUP , COLEMAN , SWAN , HOFFMAN , WAGNER, YOST 1 . SIGN ORDINANCE At Mayor Mangini ' s request Mr. Yost reviewed the background of the proposed new sign code provisions . He said the Planning Commission meetings had been overburdened by sign applications submitted pursuant to the sign code require- ments adopted in 1956 as amended in 1973 . The Commission felt it would be productive to look at the Code as it was adopted in 1956 in the light of new policies for signs and current methods for setting up sign codes in the hope of clearing up some ambiguities and spelling out procedures so applicants and the Building Inspector would know more clearly what could be done and how it should be done. The Commission took initial action early last year, and, after six months of study and discussion a first draft of amended code pro- visions was presented in December, which was revised in January, March and April of this year. On April 26th the Planning Commission unanimously recom- mented the draft of proposed sign code presented to Council . Councilman Crosby noted that for a while it seemed that there were constant hearings required by Council on sign problems , and Mr. Yost explained that since the adoption of the Interim Sign Ordinance , No. 1077 , on July 7 , 1976, there had been considerably fewer sign application hearings before the Planning Commission ; however that interim ordinance was directed at only one phase of the problem and did not clarify definitions so that the Commission is limited to using the language of the existing code which is ambiguous in many instances . Mayor Mangini questioned the provisions regarding roof signs . Mr. Yost explained the ordinance provided for normal maintenance of existing roof signs ; that the Commission felt it was not within its province to recommend that existing signs come down. Mr. Coleman explained that there are no dramatic changes in the ordinance; but rather that its purpose was primarily clarifications of procedures and definitions because that is where difficulties arise. Council posed questions regarding roof signs, double exposure signs , pole signs , window signs , sign coverage , auto row signage and the effect of zoning upon permitted signage. Councilman Crosby expressed the thought that the sign code should not be so restrictive that one could not do business in the City, and Mr. Coleman said that the changed code provisions are more liberal than the present code provisions . Mr. Harrison questioned whether a building permit would be required when a sign is ordered removed. Mr. Coleman replied that this has never been required. Mr. Coleman said if directed by Council he would prepare the proposed sign code in ordinance form for introduction at a regular Council meeting. Council - man Amstrup suggested that the proposed code be discussed with Councilman Martin (who had been excused until later in the meeting) before this is done -1 - because he had indicated that he has some questions . Mr. Swan said that he understood Councilman Martin was concerned about signs which would now be classified as roof signs . Such signs would remain , but , when a new owner or business replaced a present business, we would need to inform the new tenant that the sign is obsolete. 2. UNDERGROUNDING OF UTILITIES Mr. Schwalm stated that undergrounding of utility lines along Bayshore Boulevard, the first project on the list established by the Utility Under- grounding Committee , had been completed and it now in order for Council to review the other proposed projects and select one to be undertaken next. Councilman Amstrup asked the amount of funds available. Mr. Kirkup explained that there will be $45 ,000 in 1977 and thereafter funds will accumulate at $55,000 per year. He explained that $10,000 of the 1977 funds had been used to complete, the Bayshore Boulevard project. Mr. Fred Kohlenberg presented a proposal for undergrounding utilities on Bayswater Avenue from California Drive to Highland Avenue. He exhibited photographs and a drawing of proposed improvements contemplated by Kohlenberg Ford at Bayswater and California Drive with an overlay of utility lines . He said that if the City would undertake this project his organization would guarantee it would plant trees and undertake the other improvements shown on the drawing , and the result would create spaciousness where there is now clutter and improve the appearance of all of automobile row. A discussion �,. followed about the cost of one block of undergrounding. Mr. Kirkup estimated that it would be approximately $65 ,000. He explained that if it were decided to proceed with this project it would take about a year to get the matter under way with PG&E , and that was basically why Staff was requesting direction from Council at this time. Councilman Amstrup suggested that PG&E be asked to give us a rundown on the cost of this and each of the remaining projects on the Committee ' s list. Councilman Harrison concurred and said , though Mr. Kirkup felt it would take some time to get such estimates , Council should have those figures before making a decision. Mr. Kohlenberg asked if there had been instances when the property owner had offered to share in the cost of undergrounding . He asked if he might come in again after estimates are received from PG&E because it might be they would be willing to share in the cost in the interest of getting the undergrounding done. 3. REFUSE DISPOSAL OPERATION ALTERNATIVES Mr. Schwalm reported that the Redwood City location for refuse disposal was turned down. The alternatives are Polhemus and two acres the Scavenger Company can provide as a collection site in San Carlos ; however they must obtain a permit from San Carlos before the latter location will be available. If neither Polhemus nor San Carlos is available , San Mateo will consider their Delaware Avenue property. Councilman Amstrup observed that it appears that cooperation with San Mateo is not going to work out and we may have to find a collection site in Burlingame. Mr. Kirkup informed the Council that a collection site need not be unsightly and can be well screened . An area at Bayside could be used for approximately a year without harm to a future golf -2- course. Councilman Crosby said that he felt we have to get started on this . If the Bayside property were not usable , we might be able to get a piece of Keyston ' s property. Councilman Harrison suggested the Christianson property at the end of North Carolan as another possible collection site . Councilman Amstrup reminded Council that we are bound into a contract with the Scavengers . It was suggested that Council see how the Scavenger Company develops the matter in the next thirty days , and then think of a collection site possibility, probably on a piece of Keyston or Christianson property. The matter was therefore put over to next month ' s meeting . 4. PATIO RESURFACING AT RECREATION CENTER Mr. Wagner reported that $850 had been approved for a slurry seal coat on the patio at the Recreation Center. Two companies , Anza Engineering and Fisk -Firenze McLean , Inc. , with concurrence from the Engineering Department, agreed that slurry seal would not be serviceable on the course surface of the patio , and all recommended that asphalt be used. Two bids had been submitted in the amount of $1 ,325 (Anza Engineering) and $2 ,550 (Fisk Firenze) . The lowest bid is $375 more than the amount budgeted for the resurfacing , and Mr. Wagner would like to have direction . He said the Recreation Department had $480 budgeted for a carpet shampooing machine , but had decided to rent machines periodically and not purchasethis equip- ment. He would like to transfer that budgeted sum to cover the additional cost of asphalt resurfacing . Council questioned the durability of asphalt \ - as compared with slurry seal . Mr. Kirkup advised that on the course under- surface the life of asphalt would be between eight or nine years as compared with approximately two years for slurry seal . Mayor Mangini and Councilmen Amstrup and Crosby approved the use of asphalt for the resurfacing . 5. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR COUNCIL Mr. Swan referred to his memorandum as explaining the difficulty in dealing with the various pressure points in the preparation of Planning Commission meeting minutes in that Council requires the minutes to be prepared within three or four days after the meeting , the Planning Commission objects to minutes which are not detailed , and it is necessary to get the Commission secretary' s approval of the minutes before the Council packet goes out. He proposed possible alternatives , including more time for the transcription Of minutes or funding to hire someone to do the work on a contract basis . Councilman Amstrup explained that Council required minutes so they would be aware of what had happened and what should be called up within the notice period. Mayor Mangini suggested that a councilman might be present at Commission meetings as had been done previously. Mr. Coleman asked if a summary would suffice for the purpose of putting Council on notice of situ- ations upon which they might wish to act. Mr. Swan was asked if it would be possible for him to give Council a synopsis of the Commission meeting which would be detailed enough to call to their attention items upon which they might wish to act. Mr. Swan said he would write such a synopsis of Commission hearings . Council agreed that was all that would be needed with the packet prior to Council meetings. -3- 6. ONE HOUR FREE PARKING PRIOR TO CHRISTMAS It was pointed out that the one hour of free parking was implemented on December 1st. Councilman Amstrup suggested that Council direct that one hour of free parking during December of each year be a matter of policy in the future unless there is specific Council direction to the contrary. The councilmen present concurred. 7. SLUDGE HANDLING REPORT Mr. Kirkup reported that with the closing of the dump site some arrangement must be made for disposal of our sludge. The report of Jenks & Harrison on the Subregional Wastewater Solids Management Project recommends that the cities of Burlingame and Millbrae use a joint filter press facility to be located in Burlingame, and that disposable sludge be transported to Ox Mountain. Mayor Mangini asked what the cost would be. Mr. Kirkup reported the estimated cost after application of Federal and State grants would be $186,000 of which Burlingame ' s share would be 73. 9% and Millbrae ' s 26. 1% . Some of our cost would be allocated to Burlingame Hills and Hillsborough under the existing agreement for operating costs . Councilman Amstrup asked how this item would be funded by the City, and Mr. Kirkup replied that there is about $200,000 presently in the pipe line fund for which $400,000 had originally been allocated. Councilman Harrison questioned what South San Francisco and San Bruno have done. Mr. Kirkup reported that they have approved the recommendation for their cities. The lead agency on this project is South San Francisco. They have made a submission to the Regional Board for a grant. Mayor Mangini and Councilman Amstrup suggested that the matter be submitted and we would see what we could get. Mr. Wagner announced that. the Recreation Department Winter Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday, December llth and 12th and invited all persons present to attend. The meeting adjourned to executive session for consideration of candidates for the Finance Director position. (9: 55 p.m. ) The meeting reconvened at 11 : 00 p.m. and proceeded to a discussion of the Capital Improvement Budget. 8. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET Councilman Amstrup presented current budget figures prepared by the City Clerk which showed $896 ,000 available for the Capital Improvement Budget. There was discussion of the desirability of filling the position of shop supervisor and the advisability of installation of smoke alarm systems . Mr. Schwalm commented that recent information from insurance companies would indicate that such installation would not have a substantial effect upon premium costs. There was -4= discussion about the contract cost for mail room furniture which is not being `. fully utilized. Mr. Coleman said the contract had approximately four years to run and suggested communication with the contractor. Councilman Harrison was questioned about the proposed Park Corporation Yard. He said he found one of the new trucks was not garaged because of lack of space , but that -the equip- ment was stored at night. There was some question in his mind about working conditions when equipment is stored meeting OSHA standards . Councilman Martin expressed the need to revise the proposed Capital Improvement Budget to provide for the deficit in the reserve for wage increases and contingencies so the cost of the wage increase package adopted could be covered . Various capital improve- ment projects and funds were discussed. Mr. Martin suggested that Council go through the capital improvement items one by one in an effort to determine which could be adjusted or eliminated so that funds can be transferred to the general fund. (Secretary excused at 11 : 50 p.m. Following are Mr. Schwalm' s notes . ) Council reduced the Capital Improvement Budget by $91 ,000 and added $25 ,000 for the police communications requirements , leaving a net reduction of $66 ,000. If any further money is needed because of wage increase costs , the capital improve- ments will be reduced accordingly. The meeting adjorned at 12 : 20 p.m. L -5-