HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 2020.05.04CITY O
BURLINGAME
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BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL
Approved Minutes
Regular Meeting on May 4, 2020
1. CALL TO ORDER
A duly noticed meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date online at 7:02 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
The pledge of allegiance was led by Mayor Beach.
3. ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Beach, Brownrigg, Colson, O'Brien Keighran, Ortiz
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
4. REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
There was no closed session.
5. UPCOMING EVENTS
Mayor Beach reviewed the upcoming events taking place in the city.
6. PRESENTATIONS
There were no presentations.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Beach asked the public and her colleagues if they would like to pull any item from the Consent
Calendar. Councilmember Brownrigg pulled item 8b. Burlingame resident Jenny Keleher pulled item 8f.
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Councilmember Ortiz made a motion to adopt items 8a, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8g, 8h, and 8i; seconded by Vice Mayor
O'Brien Keighran. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
a. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 20, 2020 REGULAR
MEETING
City Clerk Hassel -Shearer requested Council approve the Meeting Minutes for April 20, 2020 Regular
Meeting.
b. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 8.10 OF THE BURLINGAME
MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING A NEW CHAPTER 8.10 TO REGULATE THE USE
OF DISPOSABLE FOOD SERVICE WARE BY FOOD FACILITIES
Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran recused herself from this item because of her work on the County's
ordinance.
Councilmember Brownrigg explained that the City's proposed ordinance refers to the County's ordinance in
multiple locations. He asked if once the proposed ordinance is adopted and codified it would include the
County ordinance language. City Attorney Kane stated that it will read as is and refer to the County
ordinance. She explained that staff drafted the ordinance this way so that amendments at the County level
would be automatically incorporated into the City's ordinance.
Councilmember Brownrigg discussed the need to conduct extensive public outreach to educate the public
and business owners on this ordinance. He added that the City should assist business owners on what food
service ware will be allowed and where they can purchase it. He asked when the ordinance goes into effect.
City Attorney Kane stated that it would go into effect Spring 2021.
City Manager Goldman stated that staff will be working with the County to create fact sheets for businesses.
Mayor Beach discussed the City's decision to remove the County's requirement that businesses keep records
of their disposable food service ware items. She asked if it was made clear in the City's ordinance that this
wasn't required. City Attorney Kane replied in the affirmative.
Mayor Beach opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Brownrigg made a motion to adopt Ordinance 1976; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz.
The motion passed by roll call vote, 4-0-1 (Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran was recused).
c. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE WASHINGTON PARK
PLAYGROUND, SPORTS COURT, AND PICINIC AREA PROJECT, CITY PROJECT NO.
85670, IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,289,924.51
Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad requested Council adopt Resolution Number 046-2020.
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d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
SIDE LETTER AGREEMENTS TO THE BURLINGAME POLICE OFFICERS
ASSOCIATION AND BURLINGAME POLICE SERGEANTS ASSOCIATION
MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING
HR Director Morrison requested Council adopt Resolution Number 047-2020.
e. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT OF THE PUBLIC
EMPLOYEES MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL CARE EACT (PEMHCA) CALPERS HEALTH
CONTRACT
HR Director Morrison requested Council adopt Resolution Number 048-2020.
f. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS INITIATING PROCEEDINGS TO RENEW THE LEVY
AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE DOWNTOWN BURLINGAME
AVENUE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-21
DBID Board of Directors member Jenny Keleher asked the City to explain the assessments for the
Downtown Burlingame Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project and whether there is an impact on DBID
members. (comment submitted via publiccomment&burlin ag me.org).
DPW Murtuza stated that the Burlingame Avenue Assessment District was established in 2012 and affects
the properties fronting Burlingame Avenue between California Drive and El Camino Real. He explained
that the assessments are for the improvements that were made to this area including the streetscape,
landscape, and utilities.
City Manager Goldman noted that the assessments are for the property owners that front Burlingame
Avenue. She explained that the property owners voted in favor of these assessments for street
improvements.
Mayor Beach opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke.
Councilmember Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 049-2020, Resolution Number 050-
2020, and Resolution Number 051-2020; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion passed
unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
g. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ICF TO PERFORM
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW SERVICES RELATED TO THE PROPOSED
DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW SIX -STORY OFFICE BUILDING AT 220 PARK ROAD
(FORMER POST OFFICE SITE) IN THE AMOUNT OF $239,154
CDD Gardiner requested Council adopt Resolution Number 052-2020.
Burlingame City Council May 4, 2020
Approved Minutes
h. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY OF BURLINGAME CONFLICT
OF INTEREST CODE TO REVIEW THE LIST OF DESIGNATED OFFICIALS AND
EMPLOYEES
City Clerk Hassel -Shearer requested Council adopt Resolution Number 053-2020.
i. QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT, PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2020
Finance Director Augustine requested Council accept the Quarterly Investment Report for the period ending
March 31, 2020.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY OF
BURLINGAME MASTER FEE SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-21
Finance Director Augustine stated that staff performed an annual review of the Master Fee Schedule to
ensure that the fees reflect current cost. She explained that the process became easier with the development
of the user fee cost recovery policy.
Mayor Beach opened the public hearing. No one spoke.
Councilmember Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 054-2020; seconded by Vice Mayor
O'Brien Keighran. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
10. STAFF REPORTS
a. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISTRIBUTION OF $250,000 IN
FUNDING, PLUS ASSOCIATED FEES, TO NONPROFIT AGENCIES ASSISTING
INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH
EMERGENCY AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND
EXECUTE ANY NECESSARY AGREEMENTS WITH THE NONPROFIT AGENCIES
City Manager Goldman stated that at the March 25 Special City Council meeting, the Council agreed to
provide an initial $30,000 in funding to assist individuals struggling during the COVID-19 public health
emergency. She explained that $10,000 went to CALL Primrose, and $20,000 went to Samaritan House.
City Manager Goldman stated that at the April 20 City Council meeting, the Council approved $250,000 for
what was then called the "Kickstart Burlingame" debit card program and is now called "Burlingame Cares."
She explained that Burlingame Cares provides $250 debit cards to eligible low-income residents.
City Manager Goldman stated that at the April 20 City Council meeting, the Council also discussed
additional measures the City could take to support low-income residents. After a thorough discussion, the
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Council directed staff to distribute $100,000 to Samaritan House, $100,000 to HIP Housing, and $50,000 to
CALL Primrose from the General Fund.
City Manager Goldman stated that Samaritan House is a core service agency that serves Burlingame. She
noted that several cities on the Peninsula, including Menlo Park, San Carlos, and San Mateo, have or are in
the process of contracting with Samaritan House to provide rental assistance to prevent lower -income
households from becoming homeless and to provide temporary relief to households that have suffered a loss
of income due to COVID-19.
City Manager Goldman discussed SMC Strong and stated that $1 million of the original $3 million funding
from Measure K went to supporting individuals and families. She explained that there are a lot of
regulations concerning the County's funds and that they will be quickly depleted. Therefore, the Council
discussed establishing a City rental assistance program.
City Manager Goldman explained that Samaritan House requires the City to develop criteria for its rental
assistance program. She stated that staff is suggesting the following:
• Funding shall not exceed $5,000 per household
• Funding may only be used for rental payment
• Eligibility for funds will be based on a household's inability to pay rent due to economic conditions
as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with sufficient evidentiary support to the satisfaction of
Samaritan House
• Households must have an income at 120% or below of the Area Median Income ("AMI") for San
Mateo County
• Households must occupy a legal unit located in incorporated Burlingame
• Households must have a current, valid lease agreement with the landlord
City Manager Goldman noted that the City needs to negotiate an agreement with Samaritan House and that
the proposed resolution vests the City Manager with this authority. She added that Samaritan House requires
a 12% administrative fee.
City Manager Goldman stated that at the April 20 City Council meeting, the Council discussed providing
$100,000 in funding to HIP Housing. She explained that HIP Housing helps to match people that are
looking for housing with people that are looking to rent out a room in their home. HIP Housing also has a
Self Sufficiency Program which provides housing assistance and support services to low-income parents or
emancipated foster youth who are in school to increase their earning power and help them become
financially self-sufficient within one to five years.
City Manager Goldman stated that she reached out to HIP Housing Associate Executive Director Laura
Fanucchi to see if there was a way that the City could ensure that the $100,000 is utilized for Burlingame
residents. Ms. Fanucchi replied in the affirmative but stated that HIP Housing does not serve many
households in Burlingame. She noted that currently HIP Housing has 12 Burlingame households in their
Home Sharing program and two Burlingame families in the Self Sufficiency Program. Therefore, HIP
Housing asked for the funding to be reduced to $20,000.
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City Manager Goldman stated that at the April 20 City Council meeting, the Council also discussed
providing $50,000 in funding to CALL Primrose. She explained that CALL Primrose is unable to ensure
that City funds are spent only on Burlingame residents. However, she stated that the County's weekly calls
have outlined the significant food insecurity issues that exist throughout the county. Second Harvest
reported that over 35,000 families received grocery boxes the week of April 13, as compared to 10,000
families the week of March 16. She added that the City can expect that as the shelter -in -place continues, that
the food insecurity challenge will grow.
City Manager Goldman stated that the Council discussed providing $250,000 in funding to assist individuals
and households. The funds were to be divided with $100,000 to Samaritan House, $100,000 to HIP
Housing, and $50,000 to CALL Primrose. However, now that HIP Housing is only requesting $20,000,
there are several options for the Council to consider, regarding the remaining $80,000:
1. Council could return the $80,000 to the General Fund for use in general City operations
2. Council could give the entire $80,000 to either the Samaritan House or CALL Primrose
3. Council could split the funding between the two agencies, either 50150 or in some other way
4. Council could direct staff to explore providing funding for another agency that receives City
contributions through the annual Community Groups Funding process
City Manager reviewed the fiscal impact of the overall funding. She stated that it would range from
$182,000 to $271,600. She noted that the funding that is provided for housing could later be reimbursed to
the General Fund from the Affordable Housing Fund.
Councilmember Brownrigg asked about the $5,000 limit in rental assistance per household. He asked how
this would be monitored. City Manager Goldman stated that her understanding from Samaritan House is that
it is one-time funding.
Councilmember Brownrigg asked if a family were $300 short on rent would they apply for $300 or $5,000.
City Manager Goldman replied that she believed that this was something that the City could negotiate with
Samaritan House.
Councilmember Brownrigg asked what the timeframe would be for the rental assistance program. City
Manager Goldman stated that the program would end when funds are depleted.
Councilmember Brownrigg discussed the Burlingame Cares program. He explained that originally, the
subcommittee had determined that 1,020 households were eligible, 850 from Peninsula Clean Energy
("PCE") and 170 from Burlingame School District ("BSD"). He stated that the subcommittee believed that
there would be some duplication from the PCE and BSD lists and therefore rounded the number to 1,000.
However, BSD has informed the subcommittee that the need is higher than what they initially stated. He
explained that BSD has increased their number from 170 to over 300.
Councilmember Brownrigg stated that now, the total number of families that are eligible for the Burlingame
Cares program, after duplicates were purged, is 1,107. He asked that the Council discuss allocating $25,000
to the Burlingame Cares program to purchase an additional 100 cards.
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Councilmember Colson asked if two families are living in a unit, is the unit considered a household, or is
each family considered a household. City Manager Goldman stated that she was unsure. She explained that
under the Samaritan House program, it would probably be whoever is on the lease.
Councilmember Colson asked if the payments go to the landlord. City Manager Goldman replied in the
affirmative.
Councilmember Colson suggested that instead of allocating an additional $25,000 to the Burlingame Cares
program, the City could reduce the card amount from $250 to $200. She stated that the Council needs to be
cognizant of how City funds are being spent as the City's unassigned funds are dwindling.
Mayor Beach opened the item up for public comment. There were no comments.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that he was in favor of allocating an additional $25,000 to the Burlingame Cares
program. He explained that if the cards are not all used, those funds will be returned to the City.
Mayor Beach concurred with Councilmember Ortiz. Additionally, she suggested that the remaining $55,000
should go to CALL Primrose to assist with the food insecurity issues throughout the county.
Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran concurred with Councilmember Colson and stated that the City should
decrease the amount on the debit cards in order to fund the additional 107 cards.
Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran stated that she was in favor of returning the $80,000 to the General Fund.
She explained that the Council needs to keep in mind that City revenues will continue to decrease, and
therefore the Council needs to carefully spend City funds.
Councilmember Brownrigg stated that he was in favoring of allocating an additional $25,000 to the
Burlingame Care programs. Additionally, he suggested giving an additional $5,000 to CALL Primrose and
then returning the remaining $50,000 to the General Fund.
Councilmember Colson stated that she talked to a senior Legislator, who stated that City Councils need to
think about staying in their lane. She explained that she understood how big the need is, but the Council's
responsibility is to ensure that the City has the funds necessary to support the police, fire, fix sidewalks,
support libraries, etc.
Councilmember Colson explained that she thought the debit cards should be decreased to support all 1,107
households under the original $250,000 budget. She concurred with Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran that the
$80,000 should be returned to the General Fund. She explained that the City Council could discuss
additional funding after the Budget Study Session on May 13. Councilmember Colson explained that if the
City goes too far out of their lane and in the future requests financial assistance from the State, this could
come back to bite them.
Mayor Beach stated that the Council's decision at the April 20 meeting to budget $250,000 to assist
individuals and families was to match the City's funding of small businesses in the community.
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Councilmember Ortiz concurred with Mayor Beach. He explained that the City was in extraordinary times,
and therefore he felt it was important for the City to step out of their lane and assist the community. He
stated that he liked Councilmember Brownrigg's suggestion of $25,000 to Burlingame Cares, $5,000 to
CALL Primrose, and returning the remaining $50,000 to the General Fund.
City Manager Goldman stated that 107 extra debit cards for the Burlingame Cares program would cost
$26,750.
Councilmember Brownrigg stated that he didn't think all eligible families would show up to obtain their
cards. Therefore, he felt comfortable capping the additional allocation at $25,000. He added that while he
appreciates fiscal responsibility, the City has built up substantial reserves over the years, and this is the time
to utilize those reserves to help the community.
Councilmember Brownrigg discussed what Councilmember Colson had heard from a senior Legislator and
stated that he had heard a similar statement. He explained that a senior Legislator was irritated when a city
that was in financial straps and was negotiating for a loan package gave the City Manager a raise. However,
he explained that this isn't what Burlingame was doing.
Councilmember Colson stated that helping small businesses helps people, as it allows them to pay their rent,
buy food, etc. She explained that the City would be funding over $1 million to the community, and it is far
and above what other cities have done on the Peninsula. She stated that she wanted to ensure that the City
manages its budget properly to ensure that staff isn't furloughed, or program hours cut. She explained that
the City will quickly run through its reserves.
Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran concurred with Councilmember Colson. She stated that the Council has the
responsibility to make sure that Burlingame runs in the positive. She explained that the City will go through
its reserves relatively quick as TOT and sales tax revenues will be low. She added that she didn't want the
City to get to the point of discussing staff layoffs.
Mayor Beach stated that she felt that the Council should donate the entire $80,000 to assist individuals and
households to match the City's funding of the small business grant program.
Councilmember Colson suggested having Samaritan House draw down on the $100,000 and get an update in
a month on their need. She stated that in the meantime, the Council would have its Budget Study Session
and then could decide whether it was necessary and economically plausible to further fund the rental
assistance program. She noted that the City could fund this program through the Affordable Housing Fund.
Mayor Beach opened the item up for public comment.
Burlingame resident Cynthia Cornell stated that Housing for All Burlingame was against using Affordable
Housing Funds to reimburse the General Fund. She explained that those funds should be earmarked to build
affordable housing.
Mayor Beach closed public comment.
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Councilmember Brownrigg asked if Councilmember Colson's proposal was to return the $80,000 to the
General Fund with the notion that it may be utilized for additional funding to the Samaritan House at a later
date, and no additional allocation to Burlingame Cares. Councilmember Colson replied in the affirmative.
Councilmember Brownrigg made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 055-2020 with the following
amendments: allocate an additional $25,000 to the Burlingame Cares program, additional $5,000 to CALL
Primrose, and return the remaining $50,000 to the General Fund.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that at the April 20 City Council meeting, the Council decided to earmark
$250,000 in funding for different programs that would assist individuals and families. He explained that
Council is now talking about reducing that donation to $200,000 and returning $50,000 to the General Fund.
He stated that he felt that the Council was acting very conservatively and was putting back funds that were
already on the table.
Councilmember Ortiz seconded Councilmember Brownrigg's motion.
The motion passed by roll call vote, 3-2 (Council Colson and Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran voted against).
b. CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION REGARDING A PILOT PROGRAM TO PRIORITIZE
LOCAL STREETS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE ACTIVITIES
DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC PERIOD
DPW Murtuza stated that staff is requesting direction regarding a pilot program to prioritize local streets for
neighborhood pedestrian and bicycle activities during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
DPW Murtuza stated that the Burlingame Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee (`BPAC") submitted a
request to close off certain streets to through traffic and prioritize them for pedestrian and bicycle activities
during the shelter -in -place order. He explained that the intent of the request was to support safe recreation
activities for residents by creating additional space for physical distancing. He noted that many cities
throughout the United States have adopted similar programs. For example, in the Bay Area; Oakland, San
Mateo, Redwood City, and Foster City have adopted similar programs.
DPW Murtuza stated staff reviewed BPAC's request and consulted with other cities that implemented street
closure programs. He explained that staff believes a street closure program like the ones in San Mateo and
Oakland could be implemented in the city. He stated that for the program to work there needs to be support
from the affected residents on the streetiblock and an assurance that there will be no risk of crowding of
streets as had recently occurred at parks and beaches in the County.
DPW Murtuza stated that staff identified a list of streets eligible for closure:
• Quesada Way: between Trousdale Drive and Davis Drive
• Paloma Avenue: between Oak Grove Avenue and Palm Drive
• Carolan Avenue: between Oak Grove Avenue and North Lane
• Anita Road: between Howard Avenue and Bayswater Avenue
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• Balboa Avenue: between Ray Drive and Adeline Drive
DPW Murtuza stated that each eligible street would designate a block sponsor or block captain who would
be responsible for providing the neighbors on their block with information flyers about the program.
DPW Murtuza reviewed the elements of the pilot program:
• The street would be closed to auto through traffic (residents, emergency vehicles, essential visitors,
and delivery vehicles would be allowed).
• All non -auto traffic would be welcome, which means cyclists, pedestrians, joggers, scooters,
skateboards, wheeled vehicles, etc. People from other neighborhoods would be allowed on the closed
streets
• The speed limit would be lowered to 15 MPH for local essential neighborhood traffic (although
unenforceable)
• Residents agree to park off-street in driveways/garages as much as possible
• Residents agree to maintain safe social distancing and comply with the County Health Order
DPW Murtuza stated that the street closure would be terminated i£
• The people using the street for recreation purposes do not comply with the County Health Order
(social distancing and face coverings), and
• If the City receives three or more shut -down requests from residents of the closed street
Councilmember Ortiz asked about the estimated cost of the pilot program. DPW Murtuza said staff is
looking at five streets and staff time to create brochures and notification. He noted that he believed it would
cost a few thousand dollars.
Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran asked if the City would put up signage about the decrease in the speed limit to
15 MPH. DPW Murtuza replied in the affirmative.
Mayor Beach asked if the signage would be on the barricades, or if new speed limit signs would be installed.
DPW Murtuza replied that staff was determining how best to proceed.
Councilmember Colson asked if staff considered closing Burlingame Avenue. She noted that while she
hasn't received any requests to close side streets, she has received 50 to 75 requests to close Burlingame
Avenue. DPW Murtuza stated that staff can look into closing Burlingame Avenue.
City Manager Goldman stated that staff hasn't looked into closing Burlingame Avenue because the shelter -
in -place order was extended. Therefore, there is still some time before restaurants would be allowed to
reopen. She explained that staff is focusing on present-day issues prior to future inquiries. She noted that
once the City hears that restaurants can re -open, staff will tackle this issue.
Councilmember Colson stated that she understood that the staff is working on present issues. However, she
explained that she wanted to make sure that the City has a plan in place to assist the businesses prior to their
re -opening.
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DPW Murtuza stated that he would note Councilmember Colson's concerns, and if the Council is interested
in this issue, staff would reach out to the DBID and the Chamber of Commerce.
Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran suggested working with the Economic Development Subcommittee on this
matter.
Mayor Beach asked if the pilot program would require a block captain to close a street. DPW Murtuza
replied in the affirmative.
Mayor Beach asked if other neighborhoods could apply to have their street, or a portion of their street, closed
to through traffic. DPW Murtuza replied in the affirmative.
Mayor Beach asked for clarification about the face mask requirement for street closure. DPW Murtuza
stated that the public needs to comply with the County Health Order, which requires face masks. He noted
that individuals that are bicycling or walking need to keep social distance and have a mask available in case
it is not possible for them to keep their distance.
Mayor Beach opened the item up for public comment.
Samantha Stahl stated that she was in favor of the program as it would allow for more room to physically
distance from others while outside. (comment received via publiccomment(&,burlingame.org).
Mark Haberecht stated that he was initially in support of closing Balboa as part of the "Safe Streets"
program. However, he received mixed reviews from his neighbors and therefore felt that the program should
only be implemented on streets with overwhelming support from the neighborhood. (comment submitted via
publiccommentgburlin a�g).
Ann Wallach voiced concern about the pilot program on Balboa as it would create more foot traffic.
(comment submitted via publiccomment(&burlin ame.org).
Adrienne Leigh voiced support for the program and discussed including a small driveway/street that is
adjacent to the west side of the Washington Park tennis courts. (comment submitted via
publiccomment(d),burlin ag me.org).
Emma Shlaes stated that the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition is in support of the pilot program and is ready
to assist the City with implementation. (comment submitted via publiccommentgburlin_a�g).
Adam Glass stated his support for the program and noted that it would provide more room for families to get
outside. (comment submitted via publiccommentgburlin a�g).
Irvin Dawid voiced his support for the program. He suggested that the City target high density areas.
(comment submitted via publiccomment(&burlin ag me.org).
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Lesley Beatty thanked the Council for considering the program and stated that the BPAC is willing to assist
the City in implementing the pilot program.
Craig Darling voiced his support for the program.
Mayor Beach closed public comment.
Councilmember Brownrigg asked what the current restrictions are at City parks. He noted that the County
Health Officer recently relaxed the rules for County parks. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated
that the City's parks remain open for passive use. She explained that playgrounds, restrooms, tennis courts,
the dog park, bocce ball courts, basketball courts, and fields are closed. She stated that with the County
loosening up the restrictions, the City will be doing the same. She explained that staff will be undertaking
some work on the fields in order to open them on Saturday (May 9). She added that one restroom would be
opened in Washington Park that will be cleaned twice a day. She stated that the tennis courts, the dog park,
and the infields of the baseball park will remain closed.
Mayor Beach asked if the playgrounds would reopen on May 9. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad
replied in the negative.
Councilmember Ortiz stated his support for the pilot program. However, he explained that he has concerns
about obtaining neighbor buy -in. He added that he would like to further explore closing Burlingame
Avenue.
Councilmember Colson stated that while she appreciates the notion of closing some streets to through traffic,
she lives on a busy pedestrian street. She noted that she believed everything was working well how it is.
She stated that she thought the City should focus on closing Burlingame Avenue.
Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran stated that closing streets could create gathering places. She explained that
she lives on a dead-end, and more people have been coming to her block. She noted that she would hate to
see this happen throughout the city. Additionally, she voiced her support for closing Burlingame Avenue.
Mayor Beach stated that she believed that the pilot program was a good idea. She noted that in walking in
her neighborhoods, she spends a lot of time entering the street to allow for social distancing. She stated that
the purpose of the program is not to create block parties but to allow for social distancing. Mayor Beach
stated that she supported closing Burlingame Avenue to assist the small businesses. She explained that this
should be explored with the assistance of the DBID and the Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Beach stated that staff should consider Irwin Dawid's comment about closing streets in the denser
residential areas to allow for social distancing.
Councilmember Brownrigg discussed Mr. Haberacht's comment where he assumed his neighbors would be
in favor of the program until he talked to them. He stated that he would be more in favor of this program if
there was ground support instead of a top down approach. He discussed the need for neighborhoods to buy-
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in. He added that with parks rules being loosened, he didn't know if there was a need to close streets. He
explained that the cities that have implemented this program are those with higher density like Oakland.
Councilmember Brownrigg noted that he didn't like the idea of asking a senior citizen that is driving to get
out of their car and move cones in order to enter their block.
Councilmember Brownrigg stated that he was in favor of closing Burlingame Avenue. However, he stressed
the need to talk with the businesses first in order to understand their needs.
Mayor Beach asked Councilmember Brownrigg if staff s proposal for block captains would create
community buy -in.
Councilmember Brownrigg stated that he had read the staff report to state that if approved by Council, the
City would be immediately closing those five streets. DPW Murtuza replied in the negative. He explained
that if approved, staff will work with BPAC to identify block captains on each street. After that, the block
captain will work on outreach in order to reach a consensus. Only if a consensus is reached would the block
be closed.
Councilmember Brownrigg stated that he applauded the streamlining. However, his concern is gathering
consensus would take a week or two. He noted that the County is loosening regulations and has reopened
parks. Therefore, he thought that the program would require a lot of work for not a lot in return.
Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran stated that if the pilot program moves forward, staff should reconsider closing
Quesada Way between Trousdale Drive and Davis Drive, as it is a main thoroughfare.
Councilmember Colson suggested having neighborhoods first obtain approval from 80% to 90% of the
street, and then the City could consider closing their street.
Mayor Beach asked DPW Murtuza his thoughts on having neighborhoods undertake a petition in order to get
their street closed. DPW Murtuza stated that this was considered by staff. He noted that it was essentially a
block party permit type closure. However, staff came to the determination that this process would be
challenging under the shelter -in -place order.
Mayor Beach asked if she was correct that only after finding a block sponsoriblock captain would the
program be implemented on a street. DPW Murtuza stated that Carolan Avenue does not have any residents
in front of the high school; therefore, the City could block off that portion without a captain. He noted that
staff would need to coordinate with the community center construction so that the closure didn't impact the
project.
Mayor Beach asked if she was correct that Council is being asked to vote on Carolan being immediately
decreed a safe street and Quesada, Paloma, Anita, and Balboa being eligible if they have a block captain who
is willing to reach out to their neighbors and build a consensus to carry out the program. DPW Murtuza
replied in the affirmative.
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Councilmember Brownrigg asked if the pilot program proposes to close all of Balboa. City Manager
Goldman replied in the negative and specified that Balboa would be closed between Ray Drive and Adeline
Drive.
Councilmember Brownrigg asked if the program envisions a block captain for every block or could one
individual have control over three blocks. DPW Murtuza stated that it would be a captain for each block.
Councilmember Brownrigg asked if there is utility in closing Carolan. He asked if there is recreational
interest in biking and walking on Carolan. DPW Murtuza stated that he doesn't have any direct information
outside of what BPAC has communicated.
Councilmember Colson discussed how prior to COVID-19, the County utilized Canada Road for "Bicycle
Sunday." She noted that as a result of the shelter -in -place order, Canada Road has been closed. She asked if
the City received permission from the County to undertake this pilot program and if it complies with the
County Health Order. City Manager stated that the City hasn't directly contacted the County. However, she
noted that three other cities have done it, and it was in the Daily Journal with lots of media attention. She
added that she believed that Canada Road was closed in order to ensure that people stayed within five miles
of their residence.
Councilmember Ortiz stated that he believed the pilot program was a good idea but shared some of the
concerns about the buy -in from neighbors. He explained that without resolving that issue, he wouldn't be
able to support the program.
Mayor Beach stated that she was comfortable with the fact that the block captains would have to get
consensus for the program to go forward.
Mayor Beach made a motion to accept staff s recommendation. There was no second.
Councilmember Brownrigg made a motion to close Carolan Avenue between Oak Grove Avenue and North
Lane to include the little parking strip next to the tennis courts; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The
motion passed by roll call vote, 4-1 (Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran vote against).
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)
HR Morrison stated that staff is recommending that the Council adopt a Resolution to increase the City
Attorney's salary by 3% due to her positive performance evaluation and adopt the City's salary schedules.
HR Morrison explained that Kathleen Kane completed her seventh year of City service. She stated that
Council met in closed session on April 20 to review her performance and subsequently made the
recommendation to increase her salary by 3%. She noted that this is the same salary increase that the
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Department Heads and the Unrepresented Unit received. She added that the City Attorney also receives the
same benefits as the Department Heads.
HR Morrison stated that any adjustment to the City Attorney's compensation requires a contract amendment.
Additionally, any changes to the City's salary schedule require adoption at a City Council meeting. She
noted that changes in executive compensation cannot be done on consent.
Mayor Beach opened the item up for public comment. There were no comments.
The Council thanked the City Attorney for her service. They discussed her work, partnership with the City
Manager, and assistance on moving the Council's agenda forward.
City Attorney Kane thanked the Council. She discussed the work of all City staff and stated that they have
been doing an excellent job.
Councilmember Brownrigg made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 056-2020; seconded by
Councilmember Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0.
11. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. MAYOR BEACH'S COMMITTEE REPORT
b. COUNCILMEMBER COLSON'S COMMITTEE REPORT
42. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There were no future agenda items.
13. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The agendas, packets, and meeting minutes for the Planning Commission, Traffic, Safety & Parking
Commission, Beautification Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Library Board of Trustees
are available online at www.burlin ag me.org.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Beach adjourned the meeting at 9:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Meaghan Hassel -Shearer
City Clerk
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