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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1991.12.04307 CITY OF BI'RLINGAME CITY COIJNCIL STUDY MEETING wednesday, Decenber 4, 199L, 7:30 p.m. city HaII conference Room A Mayor Frank Pagliaro convened the study session of the Burlingane City Council on the above date at 7:30 p.m. PRESETIP: COITNCILME!,IBERS IIARRI SON, KNIGIIT, LE[.iBI, OTMAHONY, PAGLIARO STAFF PRESENT: ARGYRES, BECKER, BERGSING, COI,EMAN, ESCOFFIER, HARVEY, KIRKUP, WAGNER 1. LIBRARY SPA CE UTILIZATION AND EXP STON STUDY Cynthia Ripley reviewed the April 1991 report on library space utilization and expansion potential. She indicated that replacing the existing stacks which have seismic problems might cost in the neighborhood of $5 milIion. For an additional $2 niI1ion, the libiary could be expanded and irnproved from an organization and code deficiency standpoint. Councilman Harrison stated that he had attended the library board presentation of this report and asked for clarification on the total costs of the project. The architect indicated that with the "soft costsrr the total project range would approach $10 million. Councilwoman orMahony questioned the city librarian concerning the waters report which ca11ed for aPproxirnately a $4 rnillion inprove- nent with only a slightly smaller size. City Librarian pointed out that the big difference i,s that this report did not address the structural concerns that the current report does and it was more from a library use standpoint than a building perspective. There are existing problems with the building and we need to have a picture of iuture plans. Mayor Pagliaro thought that the city ought to look first at the sheer wa11s and stacks and try and develop a phased approach. He felt additionat alternatives should be looked at, such- ls building over the parking area adjacent to the parking structure. councilwornan Knight stated she had toured the library recently lrith the staff and was concerned about the fire/earthquake safety, plus the need for additional electrical power for modern equiprnent. She felt that we needed rnore study on safeguards. Councilman Lembi felt that before we can address the study, we have to look at our finan- ciat options. Councilman Harrison agreed, stating that other projects such as the dunp closure are not discretionary choices by the council but state mandates. councilwoman otMahony indicated that we needed to address the fire station and dump and nol^, was not a good tine to approach the voters for approval of such things as a general obligation bond which would requiie a two-thirds vote. She felt that rnore study on possible retrof itting !'/as necessary. HaI Davis, the structurat engineer, explained the seisrnic problems with the existing tier stack system and the need to develop a better configuration of the three main areas of the library. He stated that since it is an o1d building it has other common structural problems. He felt hre needed to review our long-terrn objectives so that we can develop a phased approach that will not sirnply be a minimun retrofit. After additional discussion, it was the council consensus that we should develop a scope of lrork for additional engineering and architecturat study of the library to develop a phased approach to the problerns outlined in the current report while developing a achievable financial program. 2. MID YEAR FINANCIAL REVIEW City Manager reviewed the discussion outline of our existing finan- cial condition. It currently appears that after the first four nonths of lggl-92, general fund revenues may be four to five percent below budgeted leve1s. This may result in a rnill-ion dollar plus reduction in general fund balance unless the current sales tax revenue inproves. City Manager reviewed the year end results from June 30, 1991, and the current L99L-92 sales tax, hotel tax, and sewer and revenue projections. He discussed with council the current one-tine revenue from PERS surplus assets which is available to reduce employer contributions in the current and subsequent budgets . The manaqer reviewed three policy options. First, drawing down existing-fund balance or use of the increased ten percent hotel tax for opeiations. second, planning for phased reductions such as a hirinq freeze after reviewing Decenber sales tax and building the Lgg2-g3 budget on a two to three percent increase in general fund and possible reductions in capital projects and parking fund trans- fers-. The third option was to review additional revenue increases such as airport paifing tax, business license inflation adj ustrnent, and garbage surcharge for dump closure. It was recornmended that a combination of a1t approaches be used until we determine our future revenue leve1s. Councilwoman OtMahony felt we should restrict the additional hotel tax for a possible future convent ject. councilnan Harrison aqreed but aLso felt th address all three of the options suggested by the Mayor Pagliaro did not agree that $re should reserv increase hotel tax at this tirne, but did agree to conbination of alternatives suggested by the nanag Knight agreed with Mayor Pagliaro. councilman Lernbi questioned the public works director and staff about the possibility of trirnning costs on contracts. On the question of the hotel tax, he has a flexible comnitnent on the two fercent. He supports reserving the noney at this tine for a possi- bIe future convention center, but realized that we may need to adjust this cornmitment to our financial needs at a future time. Mayor Pagliaro discussed with council the possibility of raising aaaitionit revenue. The airport parkinq tax will be considered in early 1992, and he also asked that staff review the possibility of an inflationary increase in the business license tax and present alternatives to council at study session prior to budget subnittaL for next year. City Uanager was asked to keep council informed about the December sales tax figure and the possible need for a hiring freeze. two percention center pro-at we shouldcity manager. e the two percent address theer. Councilwoman 3. BROADWAY / CALTFORNIA INTERSECTION STUDY Public Works director briefly reviewed the staff report recommenda- tions which included banning parkingr on Broadway in front of we1ls Farqo and the Acura dealership and a pernissive left-turn signal for vehicles n estbound on Broadway into southbound carolan. councj.lnan Harrison indicated that he was concerned about rernoving the parking in front of we11s Fargo Bank and felt that hre needed merchant input. Councilwoman OrMahony thought that the signal is currently rorking satisfactorily and questioned the cost benefit of the pernissive left turn. Mayor Pagliaro thought it was desirable to change the left turn and couLd agiee to rernove the parking in front of the Acura dealership. After additional discussion, it was agreed that the public works director should approach the Broadway merchants concerning the wells Fargo parking and that $re should proceed with the recornnendations concerning the left turn and the banning of parking in front of the Acura dealership. PARKING LOT II CO}.,IPLAINTS Lombardi reviewed with Council his letter concerning the issues 4 Mr 308 309 of aesthetics and the use of the current parking lot for commercial vehicles across from an R-1 zoning district. Councilwoman Knight asked that staff look to see what could be done for the landscaping.After additional discussion, council directed the city attorney todraft an ordinance to ban large vehicles from this lot only from the hours of approxinately 6 p.n. to 8 p.m. and bringr this back forconsideration at a regular council meeting. 5. COIJNCIL COMMENTS Councilman Harrj.son conmented to council on a recent Ha) rrard plan-ning cornrnission neeting r^rhich used Burlingame as a model which Hayward would like to emulate. Councj.l agreed to change the April 1992 pLanning cornmission/ council Saturday morning neeting to April 25. 5. FROII{ THE FLOOR There hrere no conments fron the floor. ADJOIJRNMENT The meeting was adjourned to closed session on labor negotiations at 9:28 p.rTr. ,' closed session and adjournroent occurred at 9 3 33 p.n. Judith A. MalfattiCity Clerk