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Members of the public may speak about any item not on the agenda. The Ralph M. Brown Act (the State local agency open
meeting law) prohibits the City Council from acting on any matter that is not on the agenda. Speakers are asked to fill out a
"request to speak" card located on the table by the door and hand it to staff, although the provision ofa name, address or other
identifying information is optional. Speakers are limited to three minutes each; the Mayor may adjust the time limit in light of
the number of anticipated speakers.
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City Council
City of Burlingame
Meeting Agenda - Final
BURLINGAME CITY HALL
501 PRIMROSE ROAD
BURLINGAME, CA 94010
Council Chambers7:00 PMMonday, March 6, 2017
CLOSED SESSION - 6:00 p.m. - Conference Room A
Approval of the Closed Session Agendaa.
Closed Session Community Forum: Members of the Public May Address the Council
on any Item on the Closed Session Agenda at this Time
b.
Adjournment into Closed Sessionc.
Liability Claims: Joyce, Smith, Bottorini, Clack, Fish and Min, Mathy, Cuaresma and
Brasic, Sirota
Agency Claimed Against: City of Burlingame
d.
Note: Public comment is permitted on all action items as noted on the agenda below and in the
non-agenda public comment provided for in item 7.
Speakers are asked to fill out a "request to speak" card located on the table by the door and
hand it to staff, although the provision of a name, address or other identifying information is
optional. Speakers are limited to three minutes each; the Mayor may adjust the time limit in
light of the number of anticipated speakers.
All votes are unanimous unless separately noted for the record.
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 p.m. - Council Chambers
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL
4. REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
5. UPCOMING EVENTS
6. PRESENTATIONS
Page 1 City of Burlingame Printed on 3/2/2017
March 6, 2017City Council Meeting Agenda - Final
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS, NON-AGENDA
Members of the public may speak about any item not on the agenda. Members of the public wishing to
suggest an item for a future Council agenda may do so during this public comment period. The Ralph M .
Brown Act (the State local agency open meeting law) prohibits the City Council from acting on any matter
that is not on the agenda.
8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Consent calendar items are usually approved in a single motion, unless pulled for separate discussion .
Any member of the public wishing to comment on an item listed here may do so by submitting a speaker
slip for that item in advance of the Council’s consideration of the consent calendar.
Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes February 21, 2017a.
February 21, 2017 Meeting MinutesAttachments:
Set Public Hearing Date for an Appeal of the Planning Commission ’s Denial of
Applications for Design Review and a Special Permit for an Attached Garage for a
New, Two-Story Single Family Dwelling to be Built at 746 Linden Avenue
b.
Staff Report
Appeal Letter
Attachments:
Adoption of s Resolution Memorializing the City Council's February 21, 2017 Action
Granting a Building Permit Fee Reduction for Permits Required for Restoration of
Structures on Properties Damaged by Flooding Resulting from Storm Events in
January and February 2017
c.
Staff Report
Resolution
Attachments:
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Public Comment)
10. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS (Public Comment)
Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Extension of the
Agreements with AFSCME Local 829 Administrative and Maintenance Units
a.
Staff Report
Resolution
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Attachments:
11. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmembers report on committees and activities and make announcements.
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Page 2 City of Burlingame Printed on 3/2/2017
March 6, 2017City Council Meeting Agenda - Final
13. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The agendas, packets, and meeting minutes for the Planning Commission, Traffic, Parking & Safety
Commission, Beautification Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Library Board of
Trustees are available online at www.burlingame.org.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Notice: Any attendees wishing accommodations for disabilities please contact the City Clerk at
(650)558-7203 at least 24 hours before the meeting. A copy of the Agenda Packet is available for
public review at the City Clerk's office, City Hall, 501 Primrose Road, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
before the meeting and at the meeting. Visit the City's website at www.burlingame.org. Agendas and
minutes are available at this site.
NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING - Next City Council Meeting - Wednesday March 15,
2017 at 6:30 p.m. (2016-17 Mid-Year Budget Session)
Next regular City Council Meeting - Monday March 20, 2017
VIEW REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING ONLINE AT WWW.BURLINGAME.ORG - GO TO
"CITY COUNCIL VIDEOS"
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the City Council regarding any item on this
agenda will be made available for public inspection at the Water Office counter at City Hall at 501
Primrose Road during normal business hours.
Page 3 City of Burlingame Printed on 3/2/2017
Agenda Item 8a
Meeting Date: 3/6/17
Burlingame City Council February 21, 2017
Unapproved Minutes
1
BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Unapproved Minutes
Regular Meeting on February 21, 2017
1. CALL TO ORDER
A duly noticed regular meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date in t he City Hall
Council Chambers.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The pledge of allegiance was led by Police Chief Wollman.
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Beach, Brownrigg, Colson, Keighran, Ortiz
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
4. REPORT OUT FROM STUDY SESSION
A study session was held on a public art display to honor Anson Burlingame and Lots F and N in Conference
Room A.
5. UPCOMING EVENTS
Mayor Ortiz reviewed the upcoming events taking place in the City.
6. PRESENTATIONS
a. CENTRAL COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION
Fire Chief Kammeyer gave a presentation reviewing the formation and future of Central County Fire
Department (“CCFD”). He stated that in four years, over half of CCFD’s staff will have less than seven
years remaining until they are eligible for retirement. Therefore, CCFD’s main goal in the coming years is
succession planning.
Agenda Item 8a
Meeting Date: 3/6/17
Burlingame City Council February 21, 2017
Unapproved Minutes
2
Fire Chief Kammeyer reviewed CCFD’s formation in 2004. He stated that Burlingame and Hillsborough
decided to combine fire departments with the goal of maintaining a high level of service and increasing
efficiency. He reviewed what the departments looked like pre and post-merger, focusing on the staff levels.
He stated that initially staffing remained at over 90 full time employees (“FTE”) but that as the recession hit
the number dropped to 73.5.
In 2011, Engine 36 was closed and became CCFD’s administrative office. As well, CCFD had 67 FTEs, the
board began funding OPEB and CCFD officially became a stand-alone agency.
In 2012-2013, labor contract negotiations were completed with significant reductions in operating budget,
wages and benefits. As well, for the first time in nine years, CCFD hired two new firefighters. During this
time, the administrative merger with MFD and SBFD was completed and it was the first year CCFD began
fully funding OPEB.
In 2015, CCFD entered into a contract with the City of Millbrae for fire services which included the addition
of 2 engine companies/stations and 19 full time employees. He explained that this brought staffing up to
84.25 FTEs.
In looking ahead, Fire Chief Kammeyer stated that CCFD is focused on succession planning, workers
compensation and OPEB funding.
Councilmember Colson asked if CCFD would be affected by the CalPERS rate changes. City Manager
Goldman replied in the affirmative.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg thanked the Fire Chief for his presentation. He discussed the many benefits of the
merger stating that CCFD was able to efficiently and effectively cover a larger area with less firefighters. As
well, he stated that the merger helped Burlingame get through the recession by decreasing the funding needs
of running a fire department.
Councilmember Beach thanked the Fire Chief and stated that it was clear to see not only how proud he was
of the department but how proud the department was of the work they did.
Councilmember Keighran thanked Fire Chief Kammeyer for his hardwork. She stated that CCFD is an
example of multiple cities working together for a common goal.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Burlingame resident Paula McKay asked Council to consider declaring Burlingame a Sanctuary City.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Ortiz asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the Consent
Calendar. Vice Mayor Brownrigg removed item 8a.
Agenda Item 8a
Meeting Date: 3/6/17
Burlingame City Council February 21, 2017
Unapproved Minutes
3
Vice Mayor Brownrigg made a motion to approve 8b, 8c, 8d, and 8e; seconded by Councilmember
Keighran. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote; 5-0.
a. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 2017
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council’s approval of the City Council Meeting Minutes for February 6,
2017.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked for an amendment on page 3 to his statement. He asked that it reflect the fact
that he had discussed putting sensors in the creek to provide an early warning to homeowners in the area.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg made a motion to approve the Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2017 as amended;
seconded by Councilmember Keighran. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote; 5-0.
b. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE 1219 AND AMENDING
TITLE 2 OF THE BURLINGAME MUNICIPAL CODE BY CONSOLIDATING THE
CITY’S GENERAL ELECTION WITH STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION DATES
COMMENCING NOVEMBER 2022
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt Ordinance 1940.
c. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 18.10 OF THE BURLINGAME
MUNICIPAL CODE TO AMEND THE 2016 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE FOR
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS
Fire Chief Kammeyer requested Council adopt Ordinance 1941.
d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND HIS OR
HER DESIGNEE TO APPROVE AND EXECUTE THE MASTER AGREEMENT AND THE
PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT AGREEMENTS FOR FEDERAL-AID PROJECTS BETWEEN
THE CITY OF BURLINGAME AND THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 12-2017.
e. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION TO COMPLY WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2135, SURPLUS
LAND ACT
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 13-2017.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no public hearings.
Agenda Item 8a
Meeting Date: 3/6/17
Burlingame City Council February 21, 2017
Unapproved Minutes
4
10. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a. CONCEPTUAL PLAN FOR BURLINGAME SQUARE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated that in FY2016-17, funds were allocated to complete
conceptual plans for the beautification of Burlingame Square.
P&R Director Glomstad stated that staff worked with Landscape Architect John Cahalan, Parks
Superintendent Bob Disco, Burlingame Historical Society members Jennifer Pfaff and Cathy Baylock and
Public Works staff to develop a conceptual plan.
The conceptual plan was brought to the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on December 15, 2016.
The Commission heard public input and then reviewed and approved the conceptual plan.
Landscape Architect John Cahalan presented the conceptual design to the Council. He began by reviewing
what the site currently looks like and some needs that the committee wanted to address. Mr. Cahalan stated
that the square has a 28 foot wide circular planter that takes up a majority of the square and pushes
pedestrians out onto the edge of the street. He reviewed safety concerns the committee wanted to address
including: fencing the area off with bollards, making the square ADA accessible, and improving the slope of
the square towards the train station. Lastly, he stated that the committee wanted to maintain an open view of
the train station and make the square a gathering place for the public.
Mr. Cahalan showed the Council different views of the proposed conceptual design. He stated that the
diameter of the planter would be decreased to 16 feet to allow more movement in the area. As well, he
explained that pavers would be installed up to the train station and that conversation tables and seating areas
would be added to the square.
Mr. Cahalan reviewed the proposed materials for the project included plant choice, bollard and bench styles
and the paver options.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked about the decision to extend the pavers to the train station. Mr. Cahalan stated
that the end of the pavers aligns with the edge of the building to give the square a finished feel.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg voiced his concern over the cost of the project. He stated that while he understood
the need to finish off the Burlingame Avenue project, he is not convinced that this will be a meeting area, as
it is surrounded by parking lots and Caltrain. Accordingly, he stated to save money the pavers should end at
the edge of the square and not continue to the train station.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated he liked that the planter would be smaller and asked that the flag pole be
moved as it impedes the view of the train station.
Councilmember Colson stated that she was also concerned with the cost of the project. She stated that she
would like to see the project scaled back a bit and for developers in the area to assist in funding the project.
Agenda Item 8a
Meeting Date: 3/6/17
Burlingame City Council February 21, 2017
Unapproved Minutes
5
She added that she felt it was important to address the ADA and safety concerns of the square as BHS
students use the intersection to get back and forth to school.
Councilmember Beach confirmed that the total project cost is $615,715. Mr. Cahalan replied in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Beach asked if the committee discussed lessons learned about the pavers used on
Burlingame Avenue. DPW Murtuza replied that he would have reservations about using the same pavers
and would prefer to use something else.
Councilmember Beach asked if Council approved the conceptual design, would funding be triggered for the
project. P&R Director Glomstad stated that Council’s approval tonight would signify that they like the
design and if money is allocated for the project, this is what the money would fund.
Councilmember Beach stated that in FY2016-17, $200,000 was allocated for the project. Therefore, she
asked if Council approved the conceptual design would more of the $200,000 be spent before Council
reviews whether to fund the project. P&R Director Glomstad stated it would be beneficial to get
construction documents to at least 50% so that the actual cost is known.
City Manager Goldman stated that more of the funds would be spent to address Council’s design critiques.
Councilmember Keighran stated that she was concerned about using the Burlingame Avenue pavers on this
project. She stated that the square is a high trafficked area and that she would like to see the City use pavers
that are durable and low maintenance.
Councilmember Keighran thanked the committee for working on the conceptual design. She stated that the
design is great but that the cost is too high. She concurred with Vice Mayor Brownrigg that the flag pole
should be moved so that it doesn’t obstruct the view of the train station.
Mayor Ortiz opened the item up for public comment.
Russ Cohen spoke about the fixed seating in the design. He stated that the City should consider seating and
tables that aren’t fixed so that the area could be used for a variety of events. As well, he suggested
continuing the pavers into the parking lot and asked for more lighting for the train station.
Jennifer Pfaff discussed her approval of the project and the lengthy discussion the committee had on the
pavers.
Councilmember Colson asked DPW Murtuza if it was really $550 a linear foot to pour precast concrete.
DPW Murtuza stated that he had not reviewed these numbers. Mr. Cahalan stated that this number was
based on averages in the area and costs that he has incurred in the past.
Agenda Item 8a
Meeting Date: 3/6/17
Burlingame City Council February 21, 2017
Unapproved Minutes
6
Mayor Ortiz asked about the movable seating that Russ Cohen discussed. Mr. Cahalan stated that he thought
it was a good idea.
Mayor Ortiz asked about lighting the areas under the train station alcoves. Mr. Cahalan stated that this was
Caltrain property.
Mayor Ortiz asked about the cost of moving the flag pole. Mr. Cahalan stated he didn’t have an estimate but
that it would be more than a $1,000 less than $10,000.
Councilmember Beach explained that she liked the design and the community space it created. As well, she
liked Russ Cohen’s idea of portable seating. She discussed her support for putting in bollards and lighting if
these are immediate issues.
Councilmember Beach stated that the project is expensive and she hopes that developers will assist with
funding for the project. She explained that Council has to review and prioritize the number of infrastructure
needs the City currently has including City building and street repairs and affordable housing. She stated
that she saw this project as a beautification project and wanted to see projects of this nature put on pause
until the City prioritizes the goals that arose during the Annual Goal Setting Session.
Councilmember Keighran stated that it was a great design. However, she stated that the timing of the project
is off and that it is a high price to pay when there are a lot of other priorities. She explained that if this
project is something the community wants then it is an opportunity to fundraise for it.
Councilmember Colson voiced her support for the conceptual design and asked if the project could be split
into phases. She stated that she would like to see the City pay for the safety and ADA improvements and
look to community members to raise the rest.
Mayor Ortiz stated that it is a marquee area of town that feels unfinished and he believes it needs to be
completed. However, he stated that it needed to be scaled down.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that the project felt like a “nice to have” not a “have to have” project. He
stated that the Council should review beautification project priorities during the budget session in the spring.
From there, the Council can determine how much the City can give for these projects.
Councilmember Beach discussed the beautification projects the Council recently discussed including: public
art honoring Anson Burlingame, welcome pillars and the Burlingame Square project. She agreed with the
Vice Mayor that the Council should discuss and prioritize these projects.
Councilmember Beach asked what the harm would be in approving the conceptual design now and not
moving forward with the construction or funding of the project.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated he believed there was a consensus that $615,715 was too much. Therefore, his
concern was that if the project stopped, then in 5 months or 14 months you would still be left with a project
Agenda Item 8a
Meeting Date: 3/6/17
Burlingame City Council February 21, 2017
Unapproved Minutes
7
that cost $615,715. Instead he asked that staff divide the project into phases with a breakdown of costs that
Council could review during the spring budget session.
Mayor Ortiz asked staff to create a phased approach.
DPW Murtuza stated that staff is revising the list of capital improvement projects and would be presenting
that to the Council during the spring budget session.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg voiced his concern that the City still needs to fund projects outside of the CIP list.
City Manager Goldman stated that the CIP list spends a lot of money on “bread and butter” projects that are
rapidly increasing. She stated that it is important to be cognizant of projects that need to be done for safety
and risk management purposes versus the “nice to have” projects.
City Attorney Kane stated that to be clear what she was hearing was that the Council did approve of the
project with some minor design alterations. However, the Council did not want to fund the project at the
moment because of its cost but would be open to outside partnerships. She stated that what the Council
wants to see from staff is not only phasing but value engineering so that some alternatives are presented.
Council agreed with City Attorney Kane’s assessment.
b. CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION ON WAIVER OF BUILDING PERMIT FEES FOR FLOOD-
RELATED DAMAGE REPAIR
CDD Meeker presented the staff report requesting Council direction on waiver of building permit fees for
flood-related damage repair.
CDD Meeker began by stating that Burlingame and Northern California as a whole have experienced a large
number of powerful storms during January and February of 2017. He stated that on January 20th, a storm
produced a localized rain and flooding event equivalent to at least a 500-year storm in parts of the City.
Moreover, the event created flooding in certain areas that was outside of historical experience, meaning that
residents were not able to anticipate or protect against the damage they incurred.
CDD Meeker continued by stating that the City received requests to waive building permit fees for repairs
made necessary by the flooding experienced in the January storm events. He explained that Building
Department staff has been taking all measures to expedite flood-related repairs. However, staff does not
have the authority to waive fees embodied in the Master Fee Schedule absent Council direction.
CDD Meeker explained that staff doesn’t have a sense for what the cost of waiving permit fees would be but
if approved staff would keep track of all building permit fee waivers and request an adjustment from the
General Fund. He stated that staff suggests that all applications requesting a building permit fee waiver be
made no later than April 1st.
Agenda Item 8a
Meeting Date: 3/6/17
Burlingame City Council February 21, 2017
Unapproved Minutes
8
Councilmember Colson asked if this could be considered a “gift of public funds.” City Attorney Kane
stated that the gift of public funds doctrine is sufficiently broad that if the Council finds that there is an
immediate crisis that is inhibiting the well-being of the residents or that is having economic effects in the
City, then this would not be a gift of public funds. She explained that staff would need to memorialize
Council’s intent to waive permit fees and address the gift of public funds doctrine in a resolution.
Councilmember Colson asked that because some claims are outstanding with ABAG, if the City would be
able to later recapture the cost of the permit fees. City Attorney Kane stated that the City’s third party
administrators have not made a final determination on the claims that were submitted. She stated that a way
around this problem would be to ensure the permit fees are not included in claims.
Councilmember Keighran asked if this would set a precedent for future “acts of God”. City Attorney Kane
stated that it doesn’t set a legal precedent but it might set a precedent in the community for what to expect.
Councilmember Keighran asked how many permits did staff believe would be pulled and what type of work
would be done. CDD Meeker stated most likely individuals would apply for permits to replace drywall, and
handle plumbing and electrical work. CDD Meeker stated that it is estimated that there are 38 properties
within the flood zone that could be impacted and 8 outside the flood zone that had some damage. However,
he explained that as of the meeting, staff had not received any permit applications.
Councilmember Keighran stated that it sounds like most won’t be structural and therefore the permit fees
will be at the lower end. CDD Meeker replied in the affirmative.
City Attorney Kane stated that is not known how many people would request this waiver.
Councilmember Keighran asked if there was a way to put a dollar amount in the criteria. CDD Meeker
stated that Council could phrase the waiver in different ways. He gave the example of the Council approving
a waiver of 50% of an individual’s building permit fee for flood related damage. City Attorney Kane gave
the example of Council approving a waiver of the first $200 of applicants permit fees.
Councilmember Beach asked to confirm that the City doesn’t make any profit off of building permit fees but
rather it is the cost of processing that permit. CDD Meeker replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Beach asked if there is any past precedent in Burlingame of waiving building permit fees or
if it is a common municipal practice. CDD Meeker replied that he didn’t believe Burlingame previously
waived fees.
Councilmember Beach asked about the earthquake 20 years ago. DPW Murtuza stated that after the
earthquake, residential structures didn’t have any major issues and building permit fees were not waived.
Councilmember Beach stated that she felt sympathetic for all homeowners that suffered damage but
especially the 8 properties outside the flood zone. She asked to confirm that outside the flood zone,
homeowners aren’t required to have flood insurance. CDD Meeker replied in the affirmative.
Agenda Item 8a
Meeting Date: 3/6/17
Burlingame City Council February 21, 2017
Unapproved Minutes
9
Mayor Ortiz asked if there was any sense what the deductible is on the insurance. DPW Murtuza stated that
there is a $1,000 to $1,500 deductible.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked for a range of what kind of permit fees Council may be waiving. CDD
Meeker stated he had not done that calculation. City Attorney Kane stated that one of the challenges for staff
will be determining the scope of the permit that is submitted and that the work is flood related and not
improvements.
Mayor Ortiz asked how staff would do this. CDD Meeker stated that the building officials would be able to
tell by the nature of the damage if it was caused by the flood and what it would cost to repair.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg that Council’s discussion revealed the complexities of this issue. Therefore, he
asked if it was good to cap the waiver at $500 per home. As well, he stated that Council should consider
limiting the waiver to homes either in the flood zone or within 100 feet of a creek.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg voiced his concern over determining whether damage was flood or water damage.
Additionally, he stated that leaving this up to staff discretion would put a large burden on staff.
Councilmember Keighran asked what happens if there is a dispute between the staff and the homeowner
about what caused the damage. City Attorney Kane recommended that there not be a right of appeal.
Councilmember Colson asked if homeowners with flood damage could have their applications for building
permits reviewed expeditiously. CDD Meeker replied in the affirmative.
Mayor Ortiz opened the item up for public comment.
A Burlingame resident who lives on California Drive spoke about the damage to his residence. He asked for
Council’s assistance and to extend the deadline if they approved the waiver of permit fees.
Mayor Ortiz stated his support for waiving permit fees, explaining that while it would only be a small
amount it would show support for community members who had suffered.
Councilmember Beach stated that she was concerned about drawing the line between flood and water
damage. She explained that she was concerned that the distinction would open up a can of worms.
Councilmember Colson stated that she felt that the best way the City could help homeowners was to
facilitate and expedite the permit processes. She stated that this would assist in calming homeowner
concerns and getting them back into their houses.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated that waiving permit fees was a community gesture. He stated he didn’t think it
should be a catch all for everyone but focus on those properties that had flood damage. He stated he was in
favor of a cap and extending the deadline till after April 1st.
Agenda Item 8a
Meeting Date: 3/6/17
Burlingame City Council February 21, 2017
Unapproved Minutes
10
Councilmember Keighran asked for staff assistance on defining the criteria for waiving permit fees. She
stated she doesn’t know what the cap should be as she doesn’t know what the range of fees would be. She
asked if staff could provide Council with a range. CDD Meeker stated he would ask the building officials if
this was possible.
City Attorney Kane stated that one of the difficulties is that no one has filed for a permit yet, so it is hard to
create a range for Council.
Mayor Ortiz made a motion for a permit waiver with the following limitations: May 1st deadline, $500 cap
and only flood related damage.
CDD Meeker stated that the Council might also consider phrasing the waiver as either a $500 credit or a
certain percentage whichever is greater.
Councilmember Beach stated that the Council is proposing to subsidize some residents who have had storm
damages through public dollars. She stated that while it may be a worthy subsidy it is a subsidy. She stated
that the Council should consider this and that using a percentage seemed more fair to her.
Council discussed different approaches and whether to go with a percentage or a capped waiver.
City Manager Goldman stated that the Council was wrestling with this idea of being fair but that there is
nothing fair about people having their lives turned upside down because of storm damage. She stated that
anyway Council slices it some people are going to come off better than others.
Councilmember Colson asked about Mayor Ortiz’s limit of flood related damages only. She asked about the
example of a tree in the creek that is flooded and as a result the tree hits the house. She asked if this would
be included.
City Attorney Kane stated that it sounds like what the Mayor was trying to get at was “flood related water
damage to a habitable structure.” Mayor Ortiz agreed.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg stated he was happy with that definition and staff discretion.
Mayor Ortiz made a motion that May 1st is the deadline to file your application for a building permit fee
waiver, $500 cap, and that the wavier would only apply to flood related water damage to a habitable
structure.
Vice Mayor Brownrigg asked for habitable to be removed.
Therefore the motion was amended that May 1st is the deadline for homeowners to file for a permit fee
waiver, $500 cap, and that the waiver only applies to flood related water damage to a structure and that there
are no appeal rights of staff’s decision.
Agenda Item 8a
Meeting Date: 3/6/17
Burlingame City Council February 21, 2017
Unapproved Minutes
11
Vice Mayor Brownrigg seconded. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
City Attorney Kane stated that staff would bring this back in a resolution form to Council at the next
meeting. However, she added that if an individual applies for a permit between now and then and meets the
qualifications they will receive the waiver.
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
There were no future agenda items.
13. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The agendas, packets, and meeting minutes for the Planning Commission, Traffic, Parking & Safety
Commission, Beautification Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Library Board of Trustees
are available online at www.burlingame.org.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Ortiz adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer
City Clerk
1
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA NO:
MEETING DATE: March 6, 2017
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
Date: March 6, 2017
From: William Meeker, Community Development Director – (650) 558-7255
Subject: Set Public Hearing Date for an Appeal of the Planning Commission’s Denial
of Applications for Design Review and a Special Permit for an Attached
Garage for a New, Two-Story Single Family Dwelling to be Built at 746
Linden Avenue
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council set the date of the public hearing on the appeal for March
20, 2017.
BACKGROUND
At its regular meeting of February 13, 2017, the Planning Commission (via a split vote) denied
requests related to the construction of a new, two-story single family dwelling with an attached
garage at 746 Linden Avenue. The appeal period following the Planning Commission’s action ran
until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23rd. A timely appeal of the Commission’s action was filed
by the property owner on February 21, 2017 with the City Clerk’s office (letter attached).
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
Exhibit:
Appeal Letter
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STAFF REPORT
AGENDA NO:
MEETING DATE: March 6, 2017
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
Date: March 6, 2017
From: William Meeker, Community Development Director – (650) 558-7255
Subject: Adoption of a Resolution Memorializing the City Council's February 21,
2017 Action Granting a Building Permit Fee Reduction for Permits Required
for Restoration of Structures on Properties Damaged by Flooding
Resulting from Storm Events in January and February 2017
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the following resolution:
A Resolution Memorializing the City Council's February 21, 2017 Action
Granting a Building Permit Fee Reduction for Permits Required for
Restoration of Structures on Properties Damaged by Flooding Resulting
from Storm Events in January and February 2017
BACKGROUND
Burlingame and Northern California as a whole have experienced a large number of powerful
storms during January and February of 2017. In particular, a storm on January 20, 2017,
produced a localized rain and flooding event equivalent to at least a 500-year storm in parts of the
city. This event created flooding in certain areas that was outside of historical experience,
meaning that residents were not able to anticipate or protect against the damage they incurred.
At its meeting of February 21, 2017 the City Council moved to grant a $500 reduction in Building
Permit fees for restoration of flood water damage to properties resulting from the storms in
January and February. The Council’s action:
Grants authority to the Chief Building Official to determine if the repairs to be completed
are clearly “flood-related” (non-appealable, except informally to the Department Director if
warranted); the permit fee reduction shall only apply to work that is clearly intended to
restore damage to the “pre-flood” condition, not to a higher level of finishing;
Provides that a maximum fee reduction of $500 shall be applied to qualifying work – this
includes the combined total of all permits (i.e. building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
for all work that qualifies under item 1 (above);
Grants the fee reduction for qualifying permits issued from February 22, 2017 through
Resolution – Building Permit Fee Reduction – 2017 Flood Damage March 6, 2017
2
May 1, 2017 and shall be retroactive to any qualifying permits granted prior to February
22, 2017; and
Instructs that permits for qualifying work shall be granted over the counter (when and if
possible), or at a minimum moved to the head of the plan check queue to ensure that the
permits are granted as quickly as feasible.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact of waiving flood-related building permit fees in the manner called for in the
attached resolution is unknown at this time. Building Division staff will track all permits granted
reductions under the Council’s action. A reimbursement from the General Fund to the Building
Enterprise Fund shall be necessary in the future to back fill for waived fees.
Attachment:
Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. ________
1
A RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING THE CITY COUNCIL'S FEBRUARY 21,
2017 ACTION GRANTING A BUILDING PERMIT FEE REDUCTION FOR
PERMITS REQUIRED FOR RESTORATION OF STRUCTURES ON
PROPERTIES DAMAGED BY FLOODING RESULTING FROM STORM
EVENTS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2017
WHEREAS, Burlingame and Northern California as a whole have experienced a large
number of powerful storms during January and February of 2017. In particular, a storm on
January 20, 2017, produced a localized rain and flooding event equivalent to at least a 500-year
storm in parts of the city. This event created flooding in certain areas that was outside of
historical experience, meaning that residents were not able to anticipate or protect against the
damage they incurred; and
WHEREAS, at its meeting of February 21, 2017 the City Council discussed means of
assisting affected residents in restoring their flood-damaged structures, as well as expediting
approval of any building permits required for restoration; and
WHEREAS, following its discussion the City Council moved to grant a reduction in
Building Permit fees for restoration of flood damage to properties resulting from the storms in
January and February.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED that the City Council hereby:
1. Grants authority to the Chief Building Official to determine if the repairs to be completed
are clearly necessitated by water damage and are “flood-related” (non-appealable,
except informally to the Department Director if warranted); the permit fee reduction shall
only apply to work that is clearly intended to restore damage to the “pre-flood” condition,
not to a higher level of finishing;
2. Directs that a maximum fee reduction of $500 shall be applied to qualifying work – this
includes the combined total of all permits (i.e. building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
for all work that qualifies under item 1 (above);
3. Grants the fee reduction for qualifying permits issued from February 22, 2017 through
May 1, 2017 and shall be retroactive to any qualifying permits granted prior to February
22, 2017; and
4. Instructs that permits for qualifying work shall be granted over the counter (when and if
possible), or at a minimum moved to the head of the plan check queue to ensure that the
permits are granted as quickly as feasible.
_______________________________________
Ricardo Ortiz, Mayor
RESOLUTION NO. ________
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I, Meaghan Hassel-Shearer, City Clerk of the City of Burlingame, do hereby certify that the
foregoing resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council, held on the 6th day of
March, 2017 by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NAYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
______________________________________
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer, City Clerk
1
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA NO:
MEETING DATE: March 6, 2017
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
Date: March 6, 2017
From: Sonya Morrison, Human Resources Director – (650) 558-7209
Subject: Adoption of Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an
Extension of the Agreements with AFSCME Local 829 Administrative and
Maintenance Units
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City
Manager to amend the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for AFSCME Local 829
Administrative and Maintenance Units to extend the agreements for one year, along with changes
to other terms and conditions. City Council authorization is needed to adopt the amendments to
the MOUs.
BACKGROUND
The City’s bargaining team has met with AFSCME Local 829 to discuss the extension of the
agreements for one year, provide a 3% salary increase effective the first full pay period of July
2018, and incorporate administrative changes to other terms and conditions. The attached MOU
amendments memorialize the agreements reached by the bargaining teams.
DISCUSSION
At its December 19, 2016 meeting, the Mayor and City Council approved side letter agreements
with three units, including the AFSCME Local 829 Administrative and Maint enance Units. The
attached MOUs do the following:
Incorporate the side letter agreements previously approved on December 19, 2016 for
retiree medical, flat rate premium pay, and uniform allowance;
Incorporate the correct maximum combined certification pay, which shall not exceed $321
per month per individual for the Administrative Unit and $365 per month per individual for
the Maintenance Unit.
Extend the agreements one year, from June 30, 2018 to June 30, 2019;
Provide a 3% salary increase effective the first full pay period of July 2018; and,
Address administrative changes to existing language in the MOUs.
AFSCME MOU Extensions March 6, 2017
2
FISCAL IMPACT
Based on current expenditures, the costs of a 3% salary increase effective the first full period of
July 2018, including the roll-up costs, are: $173,000 per year for the AFSCME Administrative
Unit; and, $140,000 per year for the AFSCME 829 Maintenance Unit, for a total of $313,000 per
year.
Exhibits:
Resolution
Exhibit A: MOU Amendment with AFSCME Local 829 Administrative Unit
Exhibit B: MOU Amendment with AFSCME Local 829 Maintenance Unit
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURLINGAME
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE THE EXTENSION OF
THE AGREEMENTS WITH AFSCME LOCAL 829 ADMINISTRATIVE AND
MAINTENANCE UNITS
WHEREAS, the City of Burlingame and representatives from the AFSCME Local 829
Administrative and Maintenance Units have met to discuss the extension of the agreements for
one year, provide a 3% salary increase effective the first full pay period of July 2018, and
incorporate administrative changes to other terms and conditions; and
WHEREAS, the City and the AFSCME Local 829 Administrative and Maintenance Units
agreed to language on th e extension, the salary, and administrative changes to existing
language in the MOUs; and
WHEREAS, the City and the AFSCME Local 829 representatives have met to negotiate
the terms of the extended agreements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The attached MOUs extending the agreements for the AFSCME Local 829 Administrative
and Mainte nance Units between AFSCME Local 829 and the City of Burlingame are hereby
approved.
2. The City Manager is authorized and directed to execute the Memorandums of
Un derstanding between AFSCME Local 829 Administrative and Maintenance Units and the
City of Burlingame.
Ricardo Ortiz, Mayor
I, MEAGHAN HASSEL-SHEARER, City Clerk of the City of Burlingame, do hereby certify that the
foregoing resolution was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 6th day of
March, 2017, and was adopted thereafter by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer, City Clerk