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
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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