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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 2020.09.21CITY O BURLINGAME coo � 90 $AarEo � xE � BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL Approved Minutes Regular Meeting on September 21, 2020 1. CALL TO ORDER A duly noticed meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date online at 7:00 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 Manito Velasco asked the City to consider installing signals or a flashing beacon at Beach Road and Airport Boulevard. (comment submitted via publiccomment(&,burlingame.org). 8. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Beach asked her colleagues and members of the public if they would like to pull any item off the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Colson pulled 8c. Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran pulled 8d. Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran made a motion to adopt 8a and 8b; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0. a. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 City Clerk Hassel -Shearer requested Council approve of the City Council Meeting Minutes for September 8, 2020. b. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WILSEY HAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $351,545 FOR DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE BURLINGAME PARK SUBDIVISION WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 119-2020. c. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION PROVIDING A TOLLING OF EXISTING DEVELOPMENT ENTITLEMENTS Councilmember Colson thanked staff for this item. She discussed the difficulties of renovations and construction during the pandemic. She explained that this item was to extend existing development entitlements for one year (ending September 21, 2021). She asked CDD Gardiner if it would make more sense to toll existing development entitlements through the end of 2021. She noted that if Council was asked to further extend development entitlements, the request would likely come in early August 2020. However, the Council would not be in session. CDD Gardiner stated that the tolling is based on the date of the specific application. He explained that for a year, the clock would stop on each application's timeframe, and then it would start back up. Mayor Beach opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke. Councilmember Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 120-2020; seconded by Councilmember Brownrigg. The motion was approved unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0. d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SEND A LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR REQUESTING CONSIDERATION OF ORGANIZED HOTEL MEETINGS OF UP TO 50 PERSONS Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran explained that the third paragraph of the letter states: "We believe this would be in keeping with the standards for places of worship, which are currently permitted to host gatherings for 25% of their maximum capacity, or 100 people (whichever is less)." She noted that San Mateo County is currently in the purple tier, and therefore these types of gatherings would not be allowed until the County enters the red tier. She suggested adding a sentence to cover the County's current position. City Manager Goldman replied in the affirmative. 2 Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes Mayor Beach opened the item up for public comment. San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau President John Hutar thanked the Council for their support. He reviewed the safety measures that the hotels have been implementing. SFO Waterfront Marriott Hotel General Manager Lisa Kershner further reviewed the safety measures that have been implemented and the collaborations with different cleaning companies. Hyatt Regency SFO General Manager Kevin Kretsch thanked the Council for their support. San Mateo Labor Council representative Julie Lind thanked the Council for their help on this item. Mayor Beach closed public comment. Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran suggested attaching the safety and sanitation protocols to the letter. She explained that this way, the Governor would have a better understanding of the strict protocols in place. City Manager Goldman replied in the affirmative. Mayor Beach asked that the third paragraph of the letter be tweaked to include hotel workforce in the sentence that begins: "On behalf of the City's hoteliers." City Manager Goldman replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Ortiz made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 121-2020 with the amendments from Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran and Mayor Beach added to the letter; seconded by Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0. 9. PUBLIC HEARING a. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING CODE (DONNELLY AVENUE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT) AND CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN (DONNELLY AVENUE AREA) TO ALLOW MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL USES ABOVE THE FIRST FLOOR ON PROPERTIES LOCATED NORTH OF DONNELLY AVENUE THAT HAVE SOLE FRONTAGE ON DONELLY AVENUE; MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA); DESIGN REVIEW, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR BUILDING HEIGHT; CONDOMINIUM PERMIT; AND LOT COMBINATION FOR A PROPOSED FOURTEEN (14) UNIT MIXED USE COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT TO BE LOCATED AT 1214-1220 DONNELLY AVENUE Planning Manager Hurin stated that currently, the Donnelly Avenue Commercial Zone ("DAC") does not permit residential uses of any type. He explained that the application before the Council is requesting that the Council consider amending the DAC District zoning regulations and the Downtown Specific Plan (Donnelly Avenue Area) to allow multifamily residential uses above the first floor only on properties within the DAC zone that lie north of Donnelly Avenue that have sole frontage on Donnelly Avenue. He stated that Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes this would include the project site, two public parking lots, and one lot east of the project site. He noted that the rationale for the amendment is that the Donnelly Avenue -facing properties are adjacent to multi -family residential land uses to the rear on the north side of that block (facing Bellevue Avenue), and as such would be compatible with the adjacent residential uses. Planning Manager Hurin stated that multi -family residential uses are permitted by right in the Bayswater Mixed Use, Howard Mixed Use, and California Drive Auto Row Districts, and with a Conditional Use Permit in the Myrtle Mixed Use District. He explained that the proposed amendment is consistent with these other downtown districts with the exception that it allows multi -family residential use above the first floor of commercial. Planning Manager Hurin stated that related to the request for these amendments is an application for construction of a new three-story mixed -use commercial residential development at 1214-1220 Donnelly Avenue. He noted that the project consists of 4,700 square feet of commercial use on the ground floor and 14 residential condominium units on the second and third floors. He added that parking for 23 vehicles would be provided in an enclosed garage behind the commercial space. Planning Manager Hurin stated that applications required for the project include a Mitigated Negative Declaration, Design Review, Conditional Use Permit for height, Condominium Permit, and a Lot Combination. Planning Manager Hurin stated that on August 10, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed project including the amendment to the Donnelly Avenue Commercial District and Downtown Specific Plan. He explained that the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the applicant's requests for a Mitigated Negative Declaration, Amendment to the Donnelly Avenue Commercial District and Downtown Specific Plan, Design Review, Conditional Use Permit, Condominium Permit, and Lot Combination. He stated that since the Council is the final decision -making body regarding the request to amend the Donnelly Avenue Commercial District and Downtown Specific Plan, the Planning Commission's action was in the form of a recommendation to the Council. Councilmember Brownrigg stated that he had no ex parte communications on this matter. He explained that he has kept track of this application and felt that it improved as a result of Commission and staff input. He asked about the rezoning and why the City didn't use this opportunity to expand the number of properties eligible for housing above the first floor. He stated that in particular, he was thinking of Lot C. Planning Manager Hurin stated that staff could review Councilmember Brownrigg's proposal for a future rezoning. City Attorney Kane added that the CEQA didn't anticipate a broader rezone. Therefore, the rezoning couldn't be expanded at this point. Councilmember Ortiz and Councilmember Colson stated that they had talked with the applicant. Mayor Beach asked the City Clerk to read the title of the ordinance. City Clerk Hassel -Shearer read the title of the ordinance. 4 Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes Councilmember Brownrigg made a motion to waive further reading and introduce the ordinance; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0. Mayor Beach opened the public hearing. Mark Hudak stated that he was appearing on behalf of John Britton, the applicant. He explained that the project went to the Planning Commission three times in order to refine the design detail and obtain approval. He stated that the applicant needed an amendment to the zoning ordinance to allow residential use above the first floor. He explained that the amendment made sense because there is a residential use behind the project site. He stated that the project will provide a buffer between residential and commercial. He added that he believed this project would activate a dead zone in the Downtown Area. Gary Gee, the architect for the project, reviewed the overall design. He showed an image of the front of the proposed project and explained the location of the residential units versus the commercial frontage. Additionally, he reviewed the plans for each floor of the building. Mayor Beach closed the public hearing. Councilmember Colson stated that she was enthusiastic about the project. She stated that it was an opportunity to add housing to the city. She thanked Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran and Councilmember Brownrigg for working on the Downtown Specific Plan, which led to housing in the downtown area. Councilmember Ortiz echoed Councilmember Colson's comment. He noted that he has been following this project since the former structure burned down. He stated that the rezoning made sense and fits with the Downtown Specific Plan and the City's stated goal to increase housing. Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran agreed with Councilmember Colson and Councilmember Ortiz. She stated that zoning this location for housing is a smart decision. She noted that its location is close to public transportation, shopping, and restaurants. Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran stated that on the back elevation, the application has a metal guardrail with several power lines above it. She asked if there was any concern in regards to safety around those power lines. Additionally, she asked if the applicant considered putting the planter boxes closer to the railing. Planning Manager Hurin stated that the Planning Commission discussed in detail the location of the planter boxes. He explained that originally the applicant had the planter boxes along the rear edge. However, in the third iteration of the design, the designer moved the boxes closer to the building. He noted that the Planning Commission recommended that the planter boxes be switched back to the edge for the same reason that the Vice Mayor brought up. Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran asked if the applicant agreed to move the planter boxes. Planning Manager Hurin replied in the affirmative. Mr. Hudak stated that he believed the lines in the back of the property were telephone lines and that the power lines were grounded. 5 Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes Councilmember Brownrigg made a motion to approve the project and bring back the ordinance for adoption. Councilmember Brownrigg stated that if there is an ability to look at additional ornamentation on the tower that faces Donnelly, it should be done. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran. Mayor Beach stated that the applicants and the Planning Commission did a great job with this project. She noted that this project pre -dated affordable housing fees. Councilmember Brownrigg asked if the City Attorney would like him to amend the motion to more specifically adopt the findings for why housing is in the City's interest. City Attorney Kane replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Brownrigg amended his motion to more specifically adopt the findings for the need for housing; 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 SUSPENDING CUP TIMELINES FOR 778 BURLWAY DURING EVALUATION OF AN ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN CDD Gardiner stated that staff is recommending a suspension of the timelines in the October 2016 Conditional Use Permit ("CUP") for 778 Burlway Road. He explained that the CUP initially anticipated the relocation of the existing rental car operation on the site to the then -planned SFO car rental facility. However, he stated that since that time, SFO abandoned the plans for the rental car facility. CDD Gardiner stated that the CUP now focuses on a mixed -use development where the rental car operations would remain on the site in a consolidated parking structure. He explained that the remainder of the site would be available for other uses. He stated that in order to work through these changes, Enterprise was granted two nine -month suspensions of the CUP timelines so that they could put together a revised development plan. CDD Gardiner stated that the City Council held a study session on March 16 to review the preliminary concept for the site. He noted that this was part of a larger discussion that involved community benefits and zoning for the Bayfront Commercial District. CDD Gardiner noted that on March 17, the County's shelter -in -place order began. As a result, Enterprise has requested a further six-month suspension of the CUP. Mayor Beach opened the item up for public comment. Enterprise representative Doug Hattori thanked the Council and City staff for the extension. 6 Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes Mayor Beach closed public comment. Councilmember Brownrigg spoke in favor of the extension. He noted that the City is heavily travel and tourist -centric and therefore well aware of the impacts of COVID-19 on the travel industry. He explained that as a member of the ad hoc committee on this issue, he wanted to keep the lines of communication open. Councilmember Ortiz stated that he has been reluctantly approving extensions on the site. However, he noted that this one made sense. Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran concurred with Councilmember Brownrigg about the importance of the ad hoc committee continuing to meet with Enterprise. Councilmember Colson noted that this is not an extension of the CUP as that is still ending in October 2023. She explained that this is an extension of the financial benchmarks in the tolling agreement. Mayor Beach concurred with her colleagues. Councilmember Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 122; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0. b. REVIEW OF THE FY 2019-20 UNAUDITED GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL SUMMARY; AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE OPERATING BUDGET TO REFLECT RECEIPT OF CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUNDS (CRF) IN 2020-21 Finance Director Augustine stated that it has been six months since the Bay Area shelter -in -place order went into effect. She noted that a solid re -opening is coming later than initially expected. She added that other issues such as social unrest, the wildfires, and the political environment added to the economic uncertainty. Finance Director Augustine showed a slide that displayed how COVID-19 impacts every aspect of the economic landscape including: • The labor market reached historic low levels and persistently low inflationary pressures • The consistent job growth since the recession came to a halt in March • Unemployment peaked in April and May • California continues to experience a higher unemployment rate statewide than the nation as a whole • August job gains in the Bay Area accounted for nearly a third of all jobs added in California Finance Director Augustine stated that the State has paused new unemployment claims until October 5 in order to implement an identification tool. She explained that once implemented, the tool would help to speed up the claims process. Finance Director Augustine stated that a great proportion of jobs lost was in personal services in the hospitality and restaurant sectors. 7 Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes Finance Director Augustine discussed how the Federal Reserve acted promptly to stabilize the market and support the recovery. She showed a group of bar charts that depicted the Federal Reserve's economic projections in June versus their September 16 projections. She noted that in general, the Federal Reserve is not as optimistic as they were in June. Finance Director Augustine showed a slide from PFM, the City's investment management firm, that shows that economists expect a very strong third quarter growth. She noted that the GDP is forecasted to grow by 26.2% in the third quarter, with moderate growth thereafter. Finance Director Augustine stated that the City's revenues in FY 2019-2020 were $1.4 million higher than expected. She added that the City experienced $4.5 million in budgetary savings. Therefore, instead of the General Fund balance decreasing by $11.8 million in the adjusted budget, it decreased by $6 million. She stated that this resulted in an unassigned fund balance of over $13.3 million versus the $8.3 million balance that was expected. Finance Director Augustine stated that the unaudited actuals for the City's top three revenues (TOT, property taxes, and sales and use tax) in FY 2019-20 were $58.3 million. She noted that this is 82.6% of the City's tax revenue and most of the City's General Fund revenue. Finance Director Augustine reviewed the City's property taxes. She stated that the City's property taxes are strong and that there isn't a lot of variance due to the fact that the roll was well established prior to the fiscal year. She stated that the projection is adjusted at Mid -Year for variables such as the ERAF refund. She noted that there was a lot of discussion about the ERAF refund and the in -lieu VLF payments at the FY 2019-2020 Mid -Year Study Session. She stated that staff hopes that there won't be as much uncertainty around these payments once the State Controller's office issues guidance on ERAF calculations. Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran asked if she was correct that there has been a decrease in the non -basic aid school districts. Finance Director Augustine replied in the affirmative. Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran asked if this has an effect on the property taxes that go toward funding the VLF. Finance Director Augustine replied in the affirmative. Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran asked if staff knew how many districts are non -basic aid and how many more are going to fall off. Finance Director Augustine stated that the County has that information but she was unaware of the number. She added that she would get back to Council with this information. Finance Director Augustine reviewed TOT. She stated that the hotel sector remains the hardest hit sector due to the drop in business and leisure travel. However, she noted that employment in accommodation services increased by more than 15,000 jobs nationally in August. She explained that a full recovery for hotels is anticipated to take longer than other commercial real-estate classes. She stated that hotels located in drive to destinations are already recovering. She added that hotels that largely cater to business and international travelers, like Burlingame, will experience a slower recovery. She stated that CBRE expects that hotel demand will not fully recover until 2024. 8 Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes Finance Director Augustine showed a graph that depicted the average monthly amount of TOT that would be needed to generate the $14 million that is included in the adopted FY 2020-21 budget. She stated that staff only has the July revenues to include on the graph. She noted that July's TOT was approximately $450,000, which is well short of the needed average monthly TOT of $1.17 million. She stated that hotel recovery will depend largely on how confident travelers are in resuming their pre -pandemic travel schedules. Finance Director Augustine reviewed sales and use tax. She noted that she listened in on a presentation from the CDTFA and was surprised to find that statewide, the first quarter of 2020 was similar to the first quarter of 2019. However, she explained that statewide, the second quarter was down 15.2%. She stated that the expectation for the third quarter is for sales and use tax revenue to increase by 2% from the third quarter in 2019. Finance Director Augustine stated that online sales grew by over 50% in 2020. She stated that one of the presenters at the CDFTA meeting stated that consumer spending has held up surprisingly well throughout the pandemic. Finance Director Augustine stated that at the Mid -Year Study Session, staff was poised to recommend an increase in sales and use tax budget for FY 2019-20. She noted that the adopted budget was $14.8 million, but staff adjusted that down to $14.2 million in response to the emergency health order. Councilmember Brownrigg asked about auto sales. Finance Director Augustine replied that auto sales were down 17%. Finance Director Augustine reviewed General Fund expenditures. She noted that operating costs contributed $2.8 million to the $4.5 million budgetary savings. She added that salaries, wages, and benefits contributed $1.6 million. She stated that much of the City's casual workforce was furloughed in April and eventually terminated in May. Councilmember Colson discussed the Burlingame Aquatic Center. She stated SMUHSD recently passed a large capital bond. She explained that she thought it would be beneficial to revisit the capital structure of the pool given how well financed the District is for capital needs. She asked if $480,000 was what the City has to fund to keep the Aquatic Center afloat this fiscal year. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated that the Aquatic Center line in the General Fund expenditure chart is pass -through money. She explained that the money the City owes the District would be displayed in CIP. She added that because the pool was closed, there would be no pass -through money coming from BAC to the District for operations. Councilmember Colson asked if she was correct that on the Aquatic Center's operating budget, the City would be backfilling to make sure the pool stays open. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Colson stated that it might be worthwhile to have a conversation with the District in terms of getting bathrooms reoriented to be both ADA and transgender compliant. City Manager Goldman replied in the affirmative. 9 Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes Councilmember Brownrigg endorsed Councilmember Colson's comments. He thanked the City Manager and Finance Director Augustine for their work. He noted that he is pleased to see that the City is still delivering quality services notwithstanding the challenges. Councilmember Brownrigg stated that unfortunately if the City needs to shed costs, the people who are released first are temporary and casual workers. He noted that it is a great shame that $1.2 million (wages for temporary and causal workers) is not in the City's budget to help put food on those individual's tables and provide services to residents. Finance Director Augustine continued discussing General Fund expenditures. She noted that Community Development shows a large budget variance of nearly $500,000. She stated that some of those budgetary expenditures are for economic development programs for small businesses. Finance Director Augustine discussed the General Fund summary. She stated that with FY2019-2020 unaudited revenues at about $70.6 million and expenditures at $70 million, there is a net operating surplus of about $615,000. She noted that after staff transfers funds to the Capital Investment Reserve, as called for in the budget, there will be a deficit of $5.8 million in the General Fund balance. She stated that the General Fund balance in FY 2019-20 is approximately $43 million. She noted that in comparison, the predicted General Fund balance for FY 2020-21 is $38 million. Finance Director Augustine discussed the Coronavirus Relief Funds. She stated that the State distributed the Federal CARES Act funds to local governments. The City received $371,871. She reviewed a chart that showed that the City's response exceeded the $371,871 amount. She noted that the City's response equated to approximately $1.15 million, which was spent on the following items: • Rental, food, and housing assistance • Burlingame CARES Debit Cards • Grants to small businesses • Restarting Business Assistance Program • BID Fees • Casual employees' paid leave • Unemployment costs • PPE for City facilities • Improvements in IT Finance Director Augustine noted that in terms of reimbursement, public safety personnel costs are in large part presumed to be engaged in relief activities. However, she noted that they are not included in the chart, nor were they a part of the City's filing with the State for qualified expenditures. She explained that this was because the City exceeded their allotted amount of Federal relief. Councilmember Colson stated that the parklet barriers are not included in the total number spent on COVID relief for the City. She added that while there had been a mixed response about the heavy barriers, recently a car took out half a parklet in San Francisco. Therefore, she was happy that the City implemented the safety 10 Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes elements they had. She asked how much the barriers cost. Finance Director Augustine stated that she would get back to Council with this information. Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran stated that she appreciated the chart that the Finance Director put together. She asked that once staff totals the costs from public works and public safety that they incorporate that information and put it in the eNews. Finance Director Augustine replied in the affirmative. Finance Director Augustine reviewed a Retiree Medical Benefit Funding chart. She explained that this chart is a reminder that the City continues to amortize and expense its retiree medical benefits through a trust. She noted that the trust has over $22.8 million as of June 30, 2020, with a one-year return of 3.49%. Additionally, she discussed the City's contributions to the Section 115 Trust, which is at approximately $12 million. Finance Director Augustine stated that there is $24.6 million remaining in the Capital Investment Reserve after funding the new Community Center project. Councilmember Colson asked about potential layoffs. She noted that she believed that every city on the Peninsula has had to make some adjustments and some layoffs. She stated that she wanted the City to be able to maintain its work force. She thanked City Manager Goldman for keeping the City's workforce lean in order to save funds and be able to maintain their numbers during the pandemic. City Manager Goldman stated that she has held employee town halls to answer staff questions during the pandemic. She noted that the number one question is whether there will be layoffs in the future. She explained that her promise has been to avoid them to the greatest extent possible. She noted that the City doesn't have extra people, and if layoffs happen it will force the City to cut programs and services that the community expects to have. She added that she has been through layoffs in prior jurisdictions, and the morale is very difficult for those that leave and for those that stay employed. Councilmember Colson thanked City Manager Goldman and HR Director Morrison for their excellent lines of communication with the City's unions and staff. She noted that she wanted to send a clear message that the Council will do their best to ensure that they maintain the current staffing level. Councilmember Colson asked about inflationary expectations. She stated that she would like to have a little bit more of an understanding of the inflationary outlook. Finance Director Augustine replied in the affirmative. Mayor Beach opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke. Councilmember Ortiz echoed Councilmember Colson's comments about staff and City Manager Goldman's ability to control costs. He noted that it is great to see that the news is less bad than expected. Councilmember Brownrigg made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 123; seconded by Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote, 5-0. Mayor Beach thanked staff and City Manager Goldman for their great stewardship. 11 Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes c. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 6.10, "MINIMUM WAGE" TO TITLE 6, "BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS," OF THE BURLINGAME MUNICIPAL CODE Mayor Beach stated that Council had a three-hour robust and thoughtful conversation on this matter at the last City Council meeting. She explained that when there is a split vote on the first reading of an ordinance, there has been a request to put the item on the agenda as a Staff Report instead of on the Consent Calendar. Mayor Beach opened public comment. Laura Hinz spoke in favor of the ordinance in order to help individuals during the pandemic. She noted that $15 is not a livable wage. Julie Lind encouraged the City to adopt the minimum wage ordinance because of the impact it will have on the lowest wage workers. Melinda asked the Council to adopt the ordinance. She discussed the effects of COVID on low wage workers and stated that the ordinance would assist them. (comment submitted via publiccommentgburlin a�g) Madeline Frechette discussed historical moments where workers united to demand better treatment and increased pay. She asked that the Council adopt the ordinance. (comment submitted via publiccommentkburlin _ a�g) San Mateo County Democratic Party Chair Nicole Fernandez stated that it is important that the people that work in the downtown area have the ability to take care of their families. She urged the Council to adopt the ordinance. Rayna voiced her support for the ordinance. California Restaurant Association representative Matt Sutton stated that COVID has severely injured restaurants and that the proposed ordinance would cause additional damage, which could lead to restaurant closures. Ray asked that the Council adopt the minimum wage ordinance. (comment submitted via publiccommentgburlin a�g) Erin Chaser stated that as the cost of living continues to increase, many cities in San Mateo County have increased their minimum wage. She asked that the City do the same. Mike Dunham discussed the number of students that qualify for free and reduced lunches. He asked the City to adopt the ordinance. Mayor Beach closed public comment. 12 Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes Councilmember Ortiz stated that this wasn't a straight forward issue. He noted that he happened to fall on the side of approving the ordinance. He explained that it bothers him when he hears attacks on his colleagues who fall on the other side of the discussion. He stated that Council works hard on making the right decisions and balancing the needs of all residents. Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran thanked Councilmember Ortiz for his kind words. She explained that it isn't the increase in minimum wage that she is against, but the timing of the increase. She noted that the financials show that restaurants are losing 68.3% of taxable sales. Therefore, many of the restaurants are operating on a shoestring, and she worries that this could force restaurants to make hard staffing decisions. She stated that she would be inclined to approve the increase if it was delayed until June 2021. She discussed the issues with getting through the new State COVID tiers and how restaurants will lose money during the holidays, which is usually their big season. Councilmember Colson thanked Councilmember Ortiz for his words. She noted that any time you are talking about livelihoods, a robust conversation is healthy and important. She stated that the Council cares and wants to make sure businesses and employees are able to survive the winter when people won't want to dine outside. She explained that she would be able to support an increase if it is deferred until the spring or summer. She added that if the ordinance is approved, the City should help the restaurants by educating the community on why prices are likely to increase. Councilmember Colson stated that the thing that has bothered her the most is that the ordinance doesn't include a mandatory minimum wage for anyone that is unionized. She noted that staff would be bringing back an amendment if the ordinance is approved to ensure that union employees are not exempt. Councilmember Brownrigg stated that he appreciated Councilmember Ortiz's comments. He noted that it isn't easy to make decisions on matters of this nature. He stated that he believed that passing a minimum wage ordinance was important. He added that he appreciated the perspectives that Councilmember Colson and Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran brought to the discussion. Councilmember Brownrigg made a motion to adopt Ordinance 1982; seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. Mayor Beach commented on the motion and thanked the Council for the robust discussion. The motion passed by roll call vote, 3-2 (Councilmember Colson and Vice Mayor O'Brien Keighran voted against.) 11. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS a. MAYOR BEACH'S COMMITTEE REPORT 12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS There were no future agenda items. 13 Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes 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.burlingame.org. a�g. 14. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Beach adjourned the meeting at 9:33 p.m. in memory of Annette Ayoob. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Meaghan Hassel -Shearer City Clerk 14 Burlingame City Council September 21, 2020 Approved Minutes