HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 2018.06.18
Burlingame City Council June 18, 2018
Approved Minutes
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BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Approved Minutes
Regular Meeting on June 18, 2018
1. CALL TO ORDER
A duly noticed regular meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall
Council Chambers.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The pledge of allegiance was led by Ray Marshall.
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Beach, Brownrigg, Colson, Keighran
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ortiz
4. CLOSED SESSION
There was no closed session.
5. UPCOMING EVENTS
Mayor Brownrigg reviewed the upcoming events taking place in the city.
6. PRESENTATIONS
a. PRESENTATION BY ROBERT SILVERSTEIN OF THE BEEKEEPERS’ GUILD OF SAN
MATEO COUNTY
Robert Silverstein, head of Burlingame Bee Legal, explained that the purpose of the presentation was to
request a change in the City’s beekeeping regulations. He discussed San Mateo’s recent passage of a bee
ordinance and asked that Burlingame adopt the same ordinance. He noted that Supervisor Don Horsley
supported the ordinance and set a goal for the entire County to use a uniform policy.
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Mr. Silverstein discussed the importance of bees. He explained that bees are the key to growing abundant
crops, nutritious vegetables, and fruit. He stated that it is estimated that every third bite of food we eat was
made possible by bee pollination.
Mr. Silverstein explained that pollinators have been in deep decline for years. He stated that national and
local surveys have documented annual hive losses in the range of 34% to 45% over the past five years. He
noted that the causes for this loss include: loss of habitat, pests and diseases, and pesticides.
Mr. Silverstein reviewed a map of San Mateo County that highlighted local bee regulations. He explained
that 71% of municipalities in San Mateo County use nuisance-based regulations and have received only a
few complaints. He noted that Burlingame has one of the most restrictive ordinances in the county.
Mayor Brownrigg noted that nuisance regulations are a complaint-driven approach.
Mr. Silverstein explained that the City’s current regulations on beekeeping were established in 1941, with
minor updates in 1976. He stated that the regulations are based on hive numbers and setbacks. The
Burlingame Municipal Code allows for one hive per lot, with any subsequent hives required to be at least
200 feet away from any structure.
Nickie Irvine, from the Bee Legal Task Force, stated that they were proposing that Burlingame adopt the San
Mateo ordinance. She explained that the San Mateo ordinance establishes a two-step, mitigation-nuisance
approach to beekeeping. She noted that this approach provides clear guidance that protects neighbors’ rights,
while supporting beekeeping.
Ms. Irvine asked that the City also adopt the mitigation process that the Bee Legal Task Force created.
Under their mitigation process, the code enforcement officer would request a Beekeeping Site Evaluator to
investigate and recommend mitigation or adjustment. She noted that this reduces the burden on the code
enforcement officer by creating private resolution channels and expertise.
Mr. Silverstein noted that Burlingame provides a great habitat for bees because of the diversity of plants and
flowers year round in the city. He explained that amending the beekeeping ordinance will make it less
burdensome for Burlingame residents to properly site and raise healthy, long-living bee colonies.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if the proposed ordinance was adopted in Burlingame, how many people would
take advantage of it. Mr. Silverstein stated that that there are 29 registered beekeepers in Burlingame.
However, he noted that there are several un-registered beekeepers in Burlingame, and therefore he was
unsure of how many people would take advantage of the proposed law.
Councilmember Beach asked about the Beekeeping Site Evaluator and if the City could just adopt the same
ordinance as San Mateo. City Attorney Kane stated that staff would need to perform their own analysis and
determine what works best here in Burlingame. She voiced concern about the San Mateo ordinance’s
definition of nuisance.
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Councilmember Keighran asked staff to supply Council with data on the number of complaints in
neighboring cities and how they were handled.
Councilmember Beach asked if the Bee Legal Task Force had gotten any traction on getting other San Mateo
County jurisdictions to pass legislation. Ms. Irvine stated that they had talked to several cities.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if the City adopted the proposed ordinance, would there be a proliferation of rogue
hives. Ms. Irvine replied in the negative and explained that there wouldn’t be more feral hives as a result of
increased beekeeping.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment.
Burlingame resident Mike McCord stated that on behalf of CEC, they supported the beekeeping legislation.
Burlingame residents James Castro and Mason Harris, both beekeepers, discussed the importance of
beekeeping legislation and its benefits.
Mayor Brownrigg closed public comment.
Councilmember Beach discussed the need to update the bee ordinance. She explained that she liked some of
the points that the presentation brought out and that she didn’t believe that what the City currently had was
functional. She stated that currently if someone does have a complaint, there is really no recourse.
Therefore, she believed that having a complaint-driven/nuisance-based process makes sense. She noted that
the City has several projects going on and asked staff to determine where updating the bee ordinance is on
the priority queue.
Councilmember Keighran stated that she agreed and added that the San Mateo ordinance could be used as a
template. However, her underlying issue is staff’s time, as there are already a lot of priorities in the queue.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if the unincorporated portions of Burlingame are under the updated San Mateo
County ordinance. City Attorney Kane replied in the affirmative.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that he agreed with his colleagues and that staff had previously been asked to begin
work on this matter.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
Burlingame resident Ray Marshall discussed concerns about 1456 Vancouver and requested the City’s
assistance. Mayor Brownrigg asked staff to follow up with Mr. Marshall.
Burlingame resident Janet Weinberg voiced her concern about the newspaper kiosks on the streets and their
general upkeep.
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8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Brownrigg asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the
Consent Calendar. Councilmember Keighran pulled 8g and 8k.
Councilmember Keighran made a motion to adopt 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8h, 8i, 8j and 8l; seconded by
Councilmember Beach. The motion passed by voice vote, 4-0-1 (Councilmember Ortiz was absent).
a. ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JUNE 4, 2018
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt the City Council Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2018.
b. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE REAUTHORIZING PEG CHANNEL FEES IN
CONFORMANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND VIDEO
COMPETITION ACT OF 2006
Finance Director Augustine requested Council adopt Ordinance Number 1951.
c. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO
STOLOSKI AND GONZALES, INC., FOR THE SHORELAND SUBDIVISION WATER
MAIN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, CITY PROJECT NO. 83521, AND APPROVING A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH COASTLAND CIVIL ENGINEERING,
INC., FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES RELATED TO THE PROJECT
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 80-2018 and Resolution Number 81-2018.
d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO PMK
CONTRACTORS, LLC FOR THE PARKING LOT RESURFACING PROJECT, AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT
DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 82-2018.
e. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION APPROVING FISCAL YEAR 2018-19 PERSONNEL
CHANGES
HR Morrison requested Council adopt Resolution Number 83-2018.
f. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A NEW CITY-WIDE RECORDS
RETENTION SCHEDULE
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt Resolution Number 84-2018.
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g. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY OF BURLINGAME CONFLICT
OF INTEREST CODE TO REVISE THE LIST OF DESIGNATED OFFICIALS AND
EMPLOYEES
City Attorney Kane requested Council adopt Resolution Number 85-2018.
Councilmember Keighran asked if the Measure I Oversight Committee was not listed as a result of the FPPC
opinion on the matter. City Attorney Kane stated that the FPPC informed the City that the oversight
committee doesn’t have to file a Form 700 at this point. However, if there is a track record in the future of
the Oversight Committee making substantive recommendations that are being adopted by the Council, then
this might change.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 85-2018; seconded by Councilmember
Keighran. The motion passed by voice vote, 4-0-1. (Councilmember Ortiz was absent).
h. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE PALOMA PLAYGROUND
RENOVATION, CITY PROJECT NO. 84940
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad requested Council adopt Resolution Number 86-2018.
i. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A TWO-YEAR SERVICE ORDER FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
FROM THE CITY OF REDWOOD CITY
Finance Director Augustine requested Council adopt Resolution Number 87-2018.
j. APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO INVESTMENT POLICY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018-19
Finance Director Augustine requested Council approve revisions to the Investment Policy for Fiscal Year
2018-19.
k. SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR AN APPEAL OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S
MAY 29, 2018 ACTION DENYING APPLICATIONS FOR CONDOMINIUM PERMIT,
DESIGN REVIEW, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR BUILDING HEIGHT, AND
TENTATIVE CONDOMINIUM MAP FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FIVE-STORY, 21-
UNIT RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM WITH BELOW-GRADE PARKING AT 556 EL
CAMINO REAL
CDD Meeker requested Council set September 17, 2018 as the date for an appeal of the Planning
Commission’s May 29, 2018 action denying applications for condominium permit, design review,
conditional use permit for building height, and tentative condominium map for construction of a new five-
story, 21-unit residential condominium with below-grade parking at 556 El Camino Real.
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Councilmember Keighran asked why the hearing wasn’t scheduled until the September 17, 2018 Council
meeting. She explained that she wanted to make sure that the late hearing date didn’t interfere with any type
of permitting process or necessary timeline. City Attorney Kane explained that the appellants asked for this
to be the hearing date in order to organize the record of the matter and all necessary materials.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Keighran made a motion to set September 17, 2018 as the date of the appeal hearing;
seconded by Councilmember Beach. The motion passed by voice vote, 4-0-1 (Councilmember Ortiz was
absent).
l. RATIFICATION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CENTRAL COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY AGREEMENT
City Attorney Kane requested Council adopt Resolution Number 92-2018.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS (1) ADOPTING THE FY 2018-19
OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGETS AND AUTHORIZING THE FINANCE
DIRECTOR TO ASSIGN USES OF FUND BALANCE AMOUNTS; AND (2) APPROVING
THE GANN APPROPRIATION LIMIT
Finance Director Augustine discussed the proposed FY 2018-19 Budget. She explained that since the May
Budget Study Session, there had been no changes to revenues at $74.9 million and no changes to
expenditures at $58.3 million within the General Fund. Additionally, Council agreed with staff’s
recommendation at the Budget Study Session to reinstate the full $3 million transfer to the Capital
Investment Reserve. She noted that now instead of an anticipated surplus of $4.5 million, there would be a
surplus of $3.5 million for the General Fund. Out of the $3.5 million surplus, $2.8 million would be
restricted for the Pension Trust Fund.
Finance Director Augustine reviewed the General Fund revenues. She stated that assessed values are up
6.25% this fiscal year. An increase in assessed values creates higher property tax revenues. Additionally,
the full amount of ERAF refunds has been included in the property tax line. Although in past years, staff
was conservative about ERAF refunds because of economic indicators, staff feels comfortable with putting
the full amount in the property tax line.
Finance Director Augustine stated that sales and use tax includes $1.75 million of Measure I tax revenue.
She stated that without that inclusion, the City’s sales tax revenue increase would be 3.3%. She noted that
the hotels are doing well, and therefore there is an anticipated 2% increase in TOT.
Finance Director Augustine stated that General Fund revenues are predicted to come in at around $74.9
million. This is a 6.3% increase, which is about a 3.9% increase without Measure I funds.
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Finance Director Augustine discussed the General Fund expenditure budgets. She noted that the operating
costs are unchanged by any amounts contributed to the Pension Trust Fund. Debt service and contributions
to the Capital Investment Reserve are also not included, as these are shown in transfers in and out.
Finance Director Augustine stated that personnel costs are over half of the departmental costs and are up
4.9%. She stated that this increase is due to wages being increased 2.5%, while benefits are up over 7%.
She noted that of the $30.4 million in personnel costs, $19.1 million is for salaries and wages, and $11.4
million is for benefits. Of the $11.4 million for benefits, $5.5 million is for pension contributions, and $2.9
million is for healthcare.
Finance Director Augustine reviewed the Capital Improvement Program for the coming fiscal year. She
stated that the General Fund contribution is nearly a third of the total CIP funding at approximately $7.2
million.
Finance Director Augustine discussed the Gann Appropriation limit. She explained that the limit is a
required exercise as a result of a November 1979 initiative. She stated that it places a limit on growth of
expenditures for public programs and is adjusted annually for changes in cost of living and population.
Finance Director Augustine discussed the retiree medical benefit funding. She explained that it has been part
of the operating budget since FY 2013-14, when liability was estimated to be over $70 million. She noted
that as of last year, liability decreased to $58.4 million, largely because of the City’s decision to begin pre-
funding. She stated that the City is currently undergoing an actuarial evaluation, which is required every two
years, and it will re-establish what the City’s liability is for retiree medical benefits. She noted that the
actuarial assets at the end of this fiscal year should be about $17 million, or 28% funded. Full funding for
retiree medical benefits is anticipated by 2035.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that the City is putting aside $1 million for debt service on the community center
for the coming year. Finance Director Augustine replied that the City is putting aside $2 million for the
community center. She noted that $1 million would come from the General Fund, and the other $1 million
would be Measure I funds.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if staff anticipates selling bonds in the coming year for the community center.
Finance Director Augustine replied in the affirmative. She noted that the City probably wouldn’t be
incurring the entire $2 million set aside.
Vice Mayor Colson asked what would happen to the money that isn’t used. Finance Director Augustine
stated it remains in the General Fund and in the Measure I fund. She stated that it would be discussed at the
Mid-Year Budget Study Session.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if the City had put aside funds for the planning and entitlement work that needs to
be done for the community center. Finance Director Augustine replied in the affirmative.
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Mayor Brownrigg stated that the City was making good on promises that were made a long time ago and that
weren’t adequately funded. He stated that the City has set these as the right priorities, as the City continues
to set aside money continues to be put against prior debts.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the public hearing. No one spoke.
Councilmember Beach made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 88-2018 and Resolution Number 89-
2018; seconded by Councilmember Keighran. The motion passed by voice vote, 4-0-1 (Councilmember
Ortiz was absent).
10. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
a. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
City Manager Goldman explained that there was a vacancy on the Library Board of Trustees due to the
expired term of Board member Randi Murray. The vacancy was publicized, and notification letters were
sent to past Commission applicants. The City received five applications: Randi Murray, Sarah Simson,
Christine Shaw, Gloria McKay, and Robin Montoya. The five applicants were interviewed on June 11,
2018.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
The Council voted and handed their ballots to the City Clerk.
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer read the ballots.
Randi Murray was reappointed for a three-year term ending June 30, 2021.
Mayor Brownrigg thanked all applicants.
b. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION
City Manager Goldman explained that the vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission is due to the
resignation of Commissioner Baum. The vacancy was publicized, and notification letters were sent to past
Commission applicants. The City received three applications: Christine Ardito, Shaeda Urbani, and
Stephanie Lee. The three applicants were interviewed on June 11, 2018.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
The Council voted and handed their ballots to the City Clerk.
City Clerk Hassel-Shearer read the ballots. There was no majority, and therefore the matter was opened for
discussion.
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The Council discussed the candidates.
There was no majority on the second ballot, and therefore the Council went to a third ballot.
Christine Ardito was appointed to serve the remainder of Commissioner Baum’s term, which ends in
October 2019.
Mayor Brownrigg thanked all applicants.
c. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT OF THE CITY
ATTORNEY’S EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE A SALARY INCREASE,
AND APPROVING THE CITY OF BURLINGAME PAY RATES AND RANGES (SALARY
SCHEDULE)
City Manager Goldman explained that City Attorney Kane began her service in the City of Burlingame on
April 1, 2013. On June 4, 2018, the City Council met with her in closed session to review her performance.
She explained that in recognition of the City Attorney’s positive performance evaluation and existing market
rates for comparable positions, the City Council decided during the closed session to increase the City
Attorney’s salary by 3%, the same percentage increase that the Department Heads and Unrepresented
employees received.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Beach made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 90-2018; seconded by Mayor
Brownrigg. The motion passed by voice vote, 4-0-1 (Councilmember Ortiz was absent).
d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AGREEMENTS WITH BURLINGAME GIRLS SOFTBALL, MERCY HIGH SCHOOL
BURLINGAME, BURLINGAME AYSO, AND BURLINGAME YOUTH BASEBALL
ASSOCIATION FOR USE OF CITY-OWNED FIELDS FOR RECREATIONAL SPORTS
USE, CONCESSION SALES, AND/OR STORAGE
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad explained that in January 2018, staff began discussing new user
group agreements with the City Council. She stated that many of the user groups utilize City-owned
facilities and have built structures on City property. She explained that the City didn’t have agreements with
all of the groups, and the agreements that the City did have were outdated.
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated that staff began by updating the City’s agreement with
BYBA. She noted that when the proposed agreement was brought to the City Council, the Council offered a
number of suggestions. She explained that after the meeting, staff worked with the various user groups on
drafting amended agreements. She stated that the proposed agreements have been signed by each of the user
groups and are attached to the staff report. She explained that the agreements are clear on who is responsible
for repairs and makes policies consistent across the user groups.
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Vice Mayor Colson noted that the term sublease was used throughout the agreements and asked if the City
had defined sublease. She explained that subletting to her means that another group that doesn’t have a user
agreement with the City can take a user group’s field time for a price. Parks and Recreation Director
Glomstad stated that the proposed user agreements do not pertain to the fields. She explained that they only
apply to things like the snack shack. She stated that the field policy controls field usage and that there is no
subletting of field time.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that on page 4 of the BGS agreement, it states that “no alcoholic beverages shall
be sold”. She asked if the City allows the serving of alcoholic beverages. Parks and Recreation Director
Glomstad replied in the negative.
Vice Mayor Colson asked what happens if there is an emergency repair that the group needs to take care of;
for example, if the door breaks off the snack shack. She asked if they can do that without consulting the
City. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad replied in the affirmative and stated that if the City has to
make the repair, there would be an overhead fee.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that SMUHSD has very specific language that is included in their indemnification
with Bolinger. She asked if the City had put similar language in their agreements. City Attorney Kane
explained that the City requires original endorsements in favor of the City. She stated staff was satisfied that
these were adequate.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that the BGS user group agreement specified that “BGS shall have control over
the management and use of one of the batting cages.” She asked if there was a timeframe for a new batting
cage. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad replied in the negative.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if in the interim BGS has access to some time in one of the other cages. Parks and
Recreation Director Glomstad replied in the affirmative.
Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 91-2018; seconded by Councilmember
Keighran.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that he appreciated the handshake nature of a lot of the relationships between the
user groups and the City. He discussed the amount of time and money that the user groups put into the
public assets. He explained that he believed there was a risk by formalizing these relationships in that
volunteers may choose to reduce the amount of effort they put into these activities.
The motion passed by voice vote, 4-0-1 (Councilmember Ortiz was absent).
e. STATUS REPORT ON THE CONCEPTUAL PLAN OPTIONS FOR THE NEW
COMMUNITY CENTER
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Mayor Brownrigg introduced the item by explaining that at the July 2, 2018 Council meeting, Council would
be making key decisions concerning the design of the proposed community center. Therefore, because it
was likely that not all of the Councilmembers would be at the July 2, 2018 meeting, he had asked for an
update so that everyone could voice their concerns and opinions.
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated that based on previous direction from the Council, the project
scope had been reduced to encompass: full-sized basketball court, playground, and the community center,
with above and below ground parking. She noted that with either the Pavilions or the Mission design, staff
would be able to offer the same programs inside the building.
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad explained that an independent arborist was hired to survey and rate
the trees in the project area, and two trees were removed.
Dawn Merkes, the architect for the project, explained that per Council’s request, she updated the Pavilions
theme to be at the same level of conceptual development as the Mission theme. She reviewed images of the
two designs.
Ms. Merkes reviewed the sustainable design strategies of the two design options. She showed what the
photovoltaics would look like on both options. On the Mission design, the panels could only be put on half
of the roof, while 75-80% of the roof would be covered in the Pavilions design.
Vice Mayor Colson asked if the photovoltaics in the Mission design would sit on a traditional tile or a tile-
colored flat roof. Ms. Merkes explained that concrete tiles would be used and that the panels are mounted
using stanchions. She noted that in the Pavilions design, the panels could be clipped on if the roof is metal.
Councilmember Beach asked if the public saw the aerial depiction of the photovoltaics on both designs. Ms.
Merkes replied in the negative and explained that the depictions were not ready when they conducted
outreach.
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad explained that extensive outreach was conducted including: kiosks
at the Library and Recreation Center, e-mails to all commissioners, and designs on Facebook and City
websites, in the e-newsletter, and at the farmers market. She stated that as of Friday, June 15, 2018,
approximately 1200 people had responded, and there was only a 15 vote difference, with the Mission design
edging out the Pavilions design.
Mayor Brownrigg discussed the need to hear from the youth. He asked about putting the kiosk at the pergola
in front of the Gap. Ms. Merkes stated that they had received about 300-400 votes from students.
Councilmember Keighran asked if Ms. Merkes knew off-hand which option the youth favored. Ms. Merkes
stated that it was the Pavilions design.
Councilmember Keighran asked to see the public’s responses. She stated that because it was so close, she
wanted to see their comments and what common themes arose.
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Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment.
A D-Tech high school student discussed how he and his friends preferred the Pavilions design.
Burlingame resident Chad Partridge discussed the additional parking that the project was offering. He
voiced concern about the increased traffic that a new community center would cause.
Mayor Brownrigg closed the public comment period.
Councilmember Beach asked about how light plays in the two designs. Ms. Merkes stated that the public
quickly differentiated that the Pavilions option had more opportunity for indoor-outdoor connections. She
stated that inside the Pavilions design, the City will want to be careful about the lighting to ensure that they
don’t cause light pollution. She explained that the City should choose lights that don’t project light 360
degrees but instead have focused lighting. She also noted that the City can double tint the glass to prevent
light pollution from coming in and going out. She discussed other options that the City has to prevent light
pollution in the Pavilions design. She noted that the areas with large expanses of glass open on the park side,
not into the neighborhood.
Councilmember Keighran stated that she was torn between the two options. She explained that her tendency
is to go to the traditional style. However, she liked that the Pavilions designed brought the park in and
creates the indoor-outdoor connection. She explained that her concern with the Pavilions design is that she
doesn’t want the neighborhood to be affected by light in the evening and wondered how the amount of glass
would affect heating and glare. She stated that in terms of energy conservation, the Pavilions design was
better.
Councilmember Keighran talked about the entry views of the two designs and her concern about the
elevation level in the Pavilions design on Burlingame Avenue. Ms. Merkes stated that they have continued
to refine the elevations of the two designs.
Councilmember Beach stated that this would be a difficult decision. She discussed how the Mission design
draws inspiration from the City’s civic buildings and classic California architecture. The Pavilions design
draws inspiration from the environment in which it sits. She stated that she liked that the program space is
similar in both buildings. She noted that after seeing the aerial view of the two designs with photovoltaic
panels, it was clear that they were more attractive on the Pavilions design. She stated that although she puts
a lot of stake in the community process, it was still so close, and that the aerial shots might change people’s
opinions.
Mayor Brownrigg stated that if the decision is to go with the Pavilions, the City needs to go with bird-safe
glass. He discussed the recent library architecture awards from the American Institute of Architects and how
they stressed natural light and indoor-outdoor connections. He stated that he viewed this decision similarly
and was in favor of the Pavilions design.
Vice Mayor Colson stated that she loves the vaulted roofs in the interior of the Mission design. However she
stated that they are needed because the windows are so small. She stated that the connection to the park in
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the Pavilions design is so special and unique. She expressed her belief that the Pavilions design would blend
in well with its setting. She noted that the photovoltaics were unattractive on the Mission design and hidden
in the Pavilions design. Additionally, she stated that the Pavilions design gets the City closer to net zero.
Lastly, she noted that future generations were in favor of the Pavilions design.
Mayor Brownrigg thanked the Council for the discussion.
11. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. VICE MAYOR COLSON’S COMMITTEE REPORT
b. COUNCILMEMBER BEACH’S COMMITTEE REPORT
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 Brownrigg adjourned meeting at 9:52 p.m. in memory of Dorothy Cusick.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer
City Clerk