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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1978.06.21193 THE CITY OF BI'RLINGA},IE, CALIFORNIA JtNE 21, 1978 An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Burlingame City Councilits regular meeting of June 19, 1978, roas called to order at 7:45 p.m., June 2L, t978, by Mayor Crosby, in the City Hall Chambers. CALL TO ORDER Led by PollceChief Alfred J. Palmer ROLL CALL Councll Members Present: AmstruP' Barton, Council Members Absent: None APPEAL OF VARIANCE/SPECIAL PERMIT FOUR SEAS CENTER. 8OO AIRPORT BOTITEVARD Crosby, Mangini,Ma rt in Raiser replied that and landscaping varies from Counc il Mayor Crosb Group, 800that at Couvisions in then presen modations a y reco S outh nc il rs gnlzed Mr. John A. Raiser of Raiser Architectural Claremont Street, San Mateo. Mr. Raiser stated request at its meeting of June 19, various re- ans were developed. Ile and Mr. Joseph Kent, AIA, ur proposals, showing variations in parking accom- dscaping. the pl ted fo nd Ian Mr. Raiser stated they had reseatched specialty restaurant requtre- ments and Charley Brown and Tia Maria restaurant parking !'ra s com- pared. Peak hours are Frlday and Saturday nights,- which.is non- conflicting with office occuPancy. In anaylzing the Projec-t' they determined-that L9L spaces ltas the maximum needed to satisfy the most severe patking condltions. A11 of the schemes provide that parking, wtth the exception of the ftrst one, whlch ts two sPaces short, but requires five per cent nore landscaplng. Mr. Raiser stated thag prior to restaurant occuPancy, they wilL present to Council for assessment and approval, the type of specialty' type of operation and hours of operation, and general nature of the restaurant. Mayor Cr.o$y schemes vary from 15 to 2 ..(f Councilwoman Barton in him to Lease extra lan uestioned total parking. Mr. rom 189 to 205 parking spaces 0 per cent. q d for p of ax Mr. Raiser if it were posstble for ktng thereby ellminating the variance. In response to an inquiry from Councilman {q1gini' lity-Plannerreferrid to the Negative'Declaration, ND-159P, which indicated total spaces required to be 189 for the project including the restaurant. Cbuncilman Manginl asked Mr. Raiser if it was his contention that he is meeting code parking for restaurants and office buildings with the I89 parking ipaces-and 20 per cent landscaping. Mr. Raiser re- plied: That is correct. Councilman l,lartin asked about full-size and compact spaces. Council was informed that all of the schemes have thirty comPact spaces with the exception of one whlch has thirty-one. Councltwoman Barton inquired about the Negatlve Declaration which indicates the plan ts minus thirty standatd size parking sPaces. City Planner rLplied that the subject of the variance was thirty sp"6"s of smalllr size, He expla-ined that 99 spaces are required fbr the tv,ro floors of office space, and if the toP floor were office use, the requtred total would be 156 sPaces. uired Mr. Raiser replied that the building is on fee land, the,adjacent property is lease land. They are straddling the_ line _and lenders iaki a Skeptical view of that situation. He explained that the pro- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE r Lg4 ject was designed to be self-contained in all respects. They would have to reduce it in size. It is not practical to get into Leased land under a mortgage in fee ownership. He stated theyparking andthat strip,re proves t are accommodating the most severe conditionsviding more than any other building approveddicating their willingness to cooperate. Ifa shortage, they would rectify it. in on the Pro-rn- obe Mayor Crosby recognized Mr. David Keyston,Liquidating Trust, who stated that Charleyratio basis, far exceeds what is proposed fthat is his basic concern. If this is, inrestaurant, it needs much more parking thanshould not be represented as having all of be needed. Mr. Keyston suggested that thefor a restaurant if desired, but the specif come back to Council for final approval . A requirement can be determined to be eitherfelt that statements made about Charley Bronot true. Specialty restaurant parking nee more than is being discussed here. Anza Shareholders Brown parking, on aor this project, andfact, to be a speclaltyis proposed here, and the parking that willtop floor be reservedic restaurant shouldt that time parking adequate or not. He wn and Tia Maria were ds are substantially Mayor Crosby suggested that eouncil would have the prerogative to determine the stze and type of restaurant. Mr. Ralser said therestriction of size of the restaurant would be acceptabte to them. and the type of restaurant desired. Counctlman Mangini stated he was perfectly satisfied irith theoriginal plan. Councilman Amstrup questioned constructing the building and thendeciding about the restaurant. If it did not develop, it could beadditional office space, which is not really beneficial to theCity. Councilman Martindifferent schemes. inquired about the size of the berm in the Councilman }4angini moved acceptance of the original prothe proviso that there be a shell for the restaurant an restaurant come in for teview by CounciL; that there beper cent landscaping; that there be I89 parking spaces, comPact size. p d osal withthat the tlientythlrty of Councilwoman Barton inquired of City Planner if there really is adeficiency of parking, and he replied that he had referred to a survey taken in 1974. As an example, the Fisherman is way below other restaurants in meeting parking requirements and, therefote, supplies vaLet off-site parking. But this is a single-purposespecialty restaurant. The existing regulations are being used, butit is dlfficuLt to see how to handle the mixed use at lunch time. Councilman Amstrup questioned whether the parking is adequate foroffice and restaurant if luncheon is served. Mt. Raiser confirmed he would be willing to supply vatet parking if requlred. That would add approximately nineteen spaces if valet parking took up the entire bLock. Councilman Martin pointed out that the original scheme for parklng inctuded L89 spaces. Valet parking picks up 19 spaces. Total, 2O8. Compared to 205, the orlginal scheme is best with conditions proposed by Council . He also suggested on the motion that rather than spell out the twenty per cent landscaping, it be tled into the original site plan so it is all-incLusive. The final site plan r,rill be basicaLly ln agreement with the original plan. Councilman Manginirs motion, as amended, was to approve the Variance Special Permit, and Study Area Permit, subj-ect to acceptance of the oiiginal proposal as submitted, tncluding (l) T\"renty per cent Land- scaping. (2) A shell of the restaurant to be submitted for Council rev-iew. (3) Any use of the top floor to requtre approval of Council . (4) 189 parking spaces including 30 compact size to be 195 rovtded. (5 ) Valet parking to be provided if Council so tn ne area. Counci.lman Amstrup requested that it be perfectly clear thatthere is to be a restaurant in this buildlng. Councilwoman Barton seconded the motion, which carried unan- imous[y on roll call vote. Adjournment: 8:45 p.m. to a budget study meeting. € " z/ 7/_l {,,*ff(fffihCity Clerk -,.!,..i..*r&-. F\rP..ffi assessmenr if one tsTormecf , BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL STUDY MEETING JUNE 21 , 1978 PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS AMSTRUP , BARTON, CROSBY, MANGINI , MARTIN STAFF: Schwalm, Argyres, Bergsing, Fricke, Hoffman, Kirkup, Palmer, Swan. The Study Meeting was called to order by Mayor Crosby at 8 : 50 p.m. , following adjournment of an adjourned regular meeting from the regular meeting of June 19, 1978 . He declared the purpose of this meeting to be for budget consideration and requested Vice-Mayor Amstrup , Budget Chairman, to preside . Vice-Mayor Amstrup referred to the Preliminary City Council Jarvis Reductions list and read the items thereon. He also referred to a letter just received from P . G. & E. Company, which points out that there will be a rate decrease amounting to $27 , 000 . Mr. Argyres stated there is still no information from the State about getting any money back to the cities . In accordance with the Jarvis-Gann initiative, the City of Burlingame may need to cut as much as $1 , 700 , 000 off the budget for 1978-1979. Another possibility is $1 , 000 , 000 reduction, which assumes that the City is receiving a pro-rata share of the one per cent remaining property tax . In answer to an inquiry , Vice-Mayor Amstrup replied that Item 7 does not include the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce . Councilman Martin referred to the Priority Lists of Budget Cuts from each City Department . He suggested it might not be possible to cut 19 . 62 per cent from every budget . Looking at each Department, Council may find items that will help make reductions without hurting City services too much, and with the understanding that some of them may be put back when all the figures are compiled . The reductions also are not permanent until the State ' s decision is received, and everything possible is being done to save personnel . Vice-Mayor Amstrup suggested the discussion start with consideration of the first item on each Department list . Councilman Martin referred to the Police hepar en adget and-the first two items which refer to Police Crossing Guards . However, the two items are not compatible . He suggested each Department Priority List be discussed and cut by 5 per cent tonight . This suggestion was agreed upon and Vice-Mayor `- Amstrup proceeded with discussion of the Preliminary Budget as recom- mended by the City Manager. The deductions further recommended by City Council were then itemized . -2- City Council: Travel-Conference Deduct $2,475. City Manager: Office Expense 700. Maintenance of Equipment 235. Dues & Subscriptions 554. Travel-Conferences 200. Training-Safety 250. Deduct $1,939. Councilman Martin remarked that concerning travel and conference item reductions, considering all of the changes being proposed, he felt it important to keep informed. He requested there be a fund to approve conferences such as one being held in Sacramento. If there is to be air fare and overnight expenses, the request should be approved by City Council. Vice-Mayor Amstrup stated this could be left in the contingency fund. City Clerk: Capital Outlay New electric typewriter Deduct $645. Dr. Betty McNamara was recognized from the audience and she requested the budget pages being discussed be projected on the screen so the audience would be able to examine the items line by line. She suggested the audience would like to participate more in the kinds of `- reductions being made by Council. Vice-Mayor Amstrup stated this is basically a study meeting where the Council is discussing items the Department Heads have said they could do without. Councilman Martin confirmed this and explained this is not a budget hearing, but rather for the benefit of Council. Those in attendance can listen and later, at an official meeting, can participate. Councilwoman Barton asked if there was some way the audience could at least see what was being discussed? Mr. Charles Hager from the audience offered to make transparencies from a master copy of the budget if Council so desired. It was agreed to continue the meeting under the present circumstances as there was no means of preparing transparencies for this evening's meeting. Vice-Mayor Amstrup continued with the following discussion: Finance: Extra Help $1,000. Office Expense 1,300. Maintenance of Equipment 1,900. Travel, conference & Meetings 400. Training & Safety 200. Deduct $4,800. Reference was made to the check signing machine needed to replace the fifteen-year-old model being used, which requires repair and is difficult to operate. The new one was approved and it is considered it will pay for itself in less than two years. -3- City Treasurer: Extra Help $848 . Maintenance & Operations 100 . Professional Service 500 . Training & Safety 250 . Deduct $1 , 698 . An auditor was employed last year to review the Hotel/Motel Tax revenue and it proved very worthwhile . Mr. Argyres stated this was the first audit of this account, and it is hoped there will be no problems this year . If there should be a necessity, an appeal will be made to Council for additional funds . City Attorney : Extra Help $552 . Special Departmental Expense 300 . Travel , Conference, & Meetings 300 . Training & Safety 200 . Capital Outlay 220 . Deduct $1 , 572 . Vice-Mayor Amstrup called attention to Other Department Account 29 . 3 Contingency Appropriation of $425 , 000 and stated this is an essential item. Mr. Argyres stated we have already cut $320 , 000 of this amount which was for salary increases next year . The contingency figure is really $105 , 000 . Vice-Mayor Amstrup asked if Council wished to follow Councilman Martin ' s suggestion to consider the Department budgets and reduce each by 5 per cent? It was agreed to stay at the top of each Priority List . At Mayor Crosby ' s suggestion, Councilman Martin explained that Council had conferred with Department Heads and requested they supply lists starting with the lowest priority item as number one . He referred to his discussion with Police Chief Palmer and they had received input from the Police Association. There are thirty- eight items on the Police Department list involving a 32 per cent reduction, which is completely impractical . Not every item will be accepted by Council , that is why 5 per cent should be considered rather than take 40 per cent from one Department . The City has always operated efficiently , that is why reductions are difficult. Vice-Mayor Amstrup briefly reviewed items which had already been eliminated from the Department of Public Works . These were already included in the $681 , 000 and amount to well over the 5 per cent of their priority items : 1 . Disconnect electric services to signs that have been off since the energy crisis . -4- 2 . Reduce rodent control program--County Vector Control . 3 . Place garden pick-up on regular garbage bill . 4 . Eliminate Assistant Electrician position. The City Electrician is retiring . The present Assistant will be promoted and his position will not be filled . 5 . Reduce street sweeping. Rather than sweep six times , they will sweep three times . The second street sweeper will be put in moth balls for ten months of the year. 6 . Reduce street lighting expenses by eliminating every other light on California Drive from Peninsula Avenue to Lorton and Burlingame Avenues . Library: Mayor Crosby reported that a petition had been presented to Council this evening bearing 102 names concerned with the closing of the Easton Branch Library . There are also letters in this regard and Council has not yet made a decision. Mrs . Bergsing explained the following reductions : Tags for security system $4 , 950 . Roof repair 2 , 514 . New Library Assistant 8 , 730 . Miscellaneous Expense 25 . Extra Help 1 , 294 . Water Expense 500 . Conferences - personnel 350 . Travel 200 . Dues & Subscriptions 400 . Training 300 . Maintenance of Equipment-audio visual 63 . Maintenance of Equipment-office, etc. 86 . Small tools and equipment 75 . Communications 658 . Reserves--Extra Help 1 , 580 . Reduction in personnel : (1 3/4 f . t.e . , not any one person. ) Sat . closing, Main Library 6 - 9 2 , 812 . Fri . closing, Branch 6 - 9 1 , 163 . Sat. closing, Branch 10 - 1 1 , 163 . Deduct $26, 863 . Mayor Crosby stated the hours of closing are times when there is not much patronage . The Library Budget reflects full-time equivalent (f . t .e . ) of thirty-two people . Roughly one-half are part-time and represent thirty to forty people . The full-time staff is fifteen. -5- This is a reduction in hours--no terminations . Mrs . Bergsing explained that the Hillsborough Library System Contract was not renewed . The Library Board raised non-resident user ' s fee to $75 . 00 a year in conjunction with San Mateo ' s fee, which they approved last week. There will be no courtesy cards for people who work in Burlingame but live in Hillsborough, and no student cards, and no Burlingame property owners who live in Hillsborough . Councilman Martin suggested ID cards be carefully checked . In answer to an inquiry from Vice-Mayor Amstrup, Mrs . Bergsing stated Hillsborough could not use the Burlingame System without paying for it . The rate a year ago was $50 . It is possible that the increase will produce $20 , 000 revenue . She explained Hillsborough ' s decision to cancel their contract with the City of Burlingame was the result of Proposition 13 . However, the Grand Jury felt it was illegal for them not to offer library service to their residents . Councilwoman Barton stated several persons had approached her who would be willing to pay for a library card. Mrs . Bergsing responded they are seeking a judgment on whether or not it is legal . You cannot charge for certain things on the basis of double taxation. At this moment, the State Librarian has sent a memo about this and a copy is available . Councilman Martin explained he is very reluctant to cut book funds . Referring to Best Sellers , which are popular when first published but do not move thereafter, he suggested a lending library system on that type of material . Two volumes would be reserved for regular service and the other six volumes would be paid for in a rental library situation . This way patrons can obtain the book if they want it, but the Library is not forced to spend money on that type of book. Mrs . Bergsing replied that she has approached the Friends of the Library for " seed money" to buy the first group. Other libraries are doing this and she agrees with this approach . Councilman Martin stated that if the Friends of the Library do not provide seed money, the City should do so . Mrs . Bergsing said they would not put anything into that collection that was not available from the regular library shelf, so that you do not force people into the rental collection. Vice-Mayor Amstrup stated that including the reductions so far, the cut from the budget amounts to $708 , 165 . Councilman Martin read correspondence from Police Chief Palmer concerning his Budget Priorities totaling $433 , 342 plus $1 , 500 for �' utilities . -6- Police : Eliminate one-third of the Crossing Guards $9, 152 . Councilman Martin answered an inquiry from Dr. McNamara that every crossing guard location has been rated in accordance with accepted State warrants . Chief Palmer remarked that if only one-third of the Crossing Guards are eliminated , an additional $18 , 000 will be required for the remaining Crossing Guards , which might involve full-time personnel . Reduce communication update 10 , 000 . Special Services Account (This is actually a revolving revenue account . Salary of officers who serve at various functions is reimbursed by the employing agency . ) Eliminate replacement motorcycle 3 , 100 . Eliminate motorscooter replacement 4, 500 . Eliminate one metermaid incl . fringe benefits 16 , 830 . (Not replacing a metermaid who is resigning . ) Eliminate metermaid overtime 700 . Eliminate tape recorder 300 . Eliminate 4 desk replacements 1 , 600 . Eliminate file cabinet 165 . Eliminate 3 office chairs 300 . Eliminate fire extinguisher 250 . �- Reduce travel 1 , 450 Eliminate Intern--duties assumed by Meter Serviceman. 2 , 704 . Eliminate one clerk incl . fringe benefits 13 , 584 . Eliminate Traffic Sergeant hazard pay 1 , 390 . Eliminate three police vehicles 16 , 600 . Addition of $1 , 500 to utility accounts (1 , 500 . ) Deduct $81 , 125 . Councilman Mangini had proposed combining the Police and Fire Depart- ment Dispatchers . This results in a saving in both Departments . The Communications Department would be located in the Police Department and both Chief Fricke and Chief Palmer do not have any particular objection to this consolidation . This does not involve Public Works and Park Department calls during the week days . They will continue to handle their calls through their systems . The week-end and night calls will continue to be handled by the Police and Fire Dispatcher Center, as it is done now. It is really a combination of Police and Fire Dispatcher systems in one location with one piece of equipment . Councilman Martin stated that up to this point the level of service reduction to the public is relatively small . -7- Councilman Mangini spoke of the importance of the Safety Department, especially the Fire Department, and that any reduction in the budget of this Department would make the general welfare less desirable. There must be manpower and equipment ready to extinguish any fire . Without this protection, the City also might have a lower insurance rating and hich insurance rates mean higher costs to the individual taxpayer. The Dispatchers would all go to the Police Department and the dispatching can then be done by eight persons . The Police Department has six and the Fire Department has four. The Fire Department would need a secretary and if one of the Dispatchers would consider a reduction in pay, that person might fill the position. That is a net saving of one, if it is possible to do the work with only one secretary . Both Chiefs agree this is a right move . There would also be the added expense of moving , but included is the reduction of equipment needed . Fire Department : Transfer of Dispatcher-Clerks , (one clerical position $8 , 000 . ) $9, 000 . Capital Outlay and 50% hose replacement 5 , 142 . Reduce maintenance & operations budget by 15% 11 , 434 . Compensatory time off for present holiday pay, reduces on-duty strength by one man per shift-meet and confer item. (This presents a possible legal question. ) 48 , 500 . Deduct $74 , 076 . Total reductions from the budget amount to $863, 366 . The Recreation Department Budget is down 5 .4 per cent as submitted by the City Manager . This is the result of the retirement of a Custodian , with the elimination of the position,. Mr . Wagner stated also that this 1978-1979 Budget is just about fifty per cent self- sustaining . Recreation : Increase recreation income by increases in fees $20 , 000 . Eliminate summer building set-up 150 . Convert teen dances and trips to self-supporting 300 . Eliminate summer girl ' s softball program 300 . Eliminate clothing and uniform allowance 120 . Convert summer day camp and resident camp to self-supporting 440 . -a- Convert summer trips for boys and girls �- to self-sustaining $500 . Confert summer movie programs to self- supporting 250 . Eliminate dues and subscriptions 255 . Reduce travel and conferences 690 . Eliminate new tennis court lights 5 , 724 . Deduct $28 , 729. Light fixtures and lamps to replace those at Washington Park Tennis Courts , which have been found very expensive to operate . The new system will be much less expensive to operate , and , according to the lighting engineer from Westinghouse , will pay for itself in three years . The Department has $100 , 000 State Grant funds from which they will try to allocate a sufficient amount to cover this project . Night lighted tennis charges $1 . 00 an hour for lights . It does pay for itself. Vice-Mayor Amstrup inquired if there are funds to take care of young people who are needy so they may partake in programs without embarrassment? Mr. Wagner stated they do provide a free swim pass and other group activities so they will have a well-rounded summer. In September there will be a paragraph in the brochure stating that if there are children who do not have funds to participate, assistance might be provided . Councilwoman Barton suggested consideration could be given to families with two or three children. Councilman Amstrup inquired about the program at Cuernavaca Park, which was discussed at the Mills Estate Improvement meeting . Mr. Wagner said they have coordinated with Hoover School for a playground program at Hoover School for this summer . At no cost to the City, one of his supervisors will train and supervise the Recreation Leader and two volunteers at Hoover School . They already have fifty some children signed up . The parents of the children are paying $10 . 00 for each . The School P . T.A. , is giving $174 . 00 . Mr . Wagner stated there are basketball leagues and Burlingame High School has negotiated to give him the gym, as long as custodial services are provided , three nights a week, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday . It is strictly league play , no open play . There are no gyms open in the City . With funds Council allocated , it will probably be possible to open Intermediate School two hours an after- noon, Monday through Thursday, starting next week for seven weeks . Dr. McNamara inquired why the girls ' softball was eliminated . She mentioned Title IX law which requires that there be equal opportun- ities for both girls and boys . Councilwoman Barton had asked the -9- same question and was told there are not that many girls that participate in softball . Bobbysox is extremely popular, but this recreation program is not well attended . Mr. Wagner stated the boys baseball program is completely self-sustaining , and the soft- ball for girls would have to cost each girl about $10 . 00 for thirty participants . There are only twenty to forty participants . Councilman Mangini remarked that the program is open to both girls and boys , which is in accordance with the requirements of Title IX. Mr . Wagner continued that if there was an additional $300 to spend, it would be much better to open another gymnasium where large groups could go rather than spend $300 on twenty-five to thirty participants , which also will not make a league . Councilwoman Barton stated that when the budget was reviewed , they considered how many youngsters participate in the programs , not male or female , and the demand was not there . They will always keep both girls and boys in mind for the programs offered . Councilwoman Barton asked about pursuing the swimming program? Mr. Wagner stated he could not pursue it without direction from Council because funds were not allocated . Councilman Mangini stated the High School pool has been taken over by the Red Cross for the summer . Mr. Wagner suggested that if it is going to be open for Mr. Campagna, the Recreation Department could perhaps receive it at a minimum cost because they would have it heated in the morning and could turn off the heater at 1 : 00 o ' clock when they leave and it would be warm enough in the afternoon for the recreation program. He will obtain the cost . Chief Palmer suggested that perhaps the Police Association might sponsor a gym for the summer, so Mr . Wagner will contact Mr . Zeigler at the High School for arrangements . Mr . Wagner inquired if Council would want him to solicit advertise- ments to be included in the new brochure? The Department prints three a year. There are twenty-four to thirty-two pages . The total cost is about $7 , 500 . Approximately $4, 000 comes from fees and charges . Councilwoman Barton suggested he obtain information for Council ' s further consideration. Park Director Hoffman opened his remarks by calling attention to the fact that he had based his budget figures on last year' s budget amounts rather than the City Manager ' s suggested amounts and will have to give it additional thinking . His request for an aerial lift truck was discussed . There are similar trucks in the Fire Department and the Electrical Department . It was agreed to eliminate the new L truck this year and arrange with the other departments for the use of their truck when needed . Park Department : Eliminate aerial lift truck replacement $40 , 000 . -10- councilman Martin wished to affirm that Council has agreed in every way to try not to eliminate personnel . He stated it is vital to assure employees that no one will lose their jobs . It does not apply to CETA employees . Mr. Argyres confirmed that if a City employee is laid off , all CETA employees in the same classification would have to be discharged . Civil Defense : Eliminate portable generator $750 . Total deductions = $937 , 872 . ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 12 : 20 p.m. a..