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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1974.05.201s2 Burlingame, California May 20, L974 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Burlingame Cj-ty Council was called to order on the above date at 8:15 p.m., Mayor William J. Crosby presiding. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FI,AG: Led by Carl M. Lollin, Chief of Pol-ice. ROLL CALL Present: Absent : Council-men: Councilmen: Amstrup-Crosby-Cus ick- Harri son-Mangini None MfNUTES The minutes of the meeting of May 5, L974, previously submitted to members, were approved and adopted. HEARING: Weed Abatement Mayor Crosby announced this was the time and place scheduled to hear objections to the removal of noxious and dangerous weeds in accordance with the 1974-75 Weed Abatement Program. Declaring the hearing open, the Chair invited comments from the floor. There were none. The hearing was decfared closed. RESOLU'IION NO. 23-74 "Ordering Destruction Of Noxious And Dangerous Weeds And Rubbish, A Nuisance fn The City Of Burlingame" was introduced by Councilman Amstrup, who moved its adoption, second by Councilman Mangini and unanimously carried on ro11 caII. COMMUNICATIONS 1. DANCE PERMTT - WADY AYOOB PERMlTTEE Under date of April 17, L974, Wady Ayoob, 26Q2 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco, requested a permit to hold public dances at the Airport Marina Hotel on Friday nights for a period of four months commencing July 12, L974. The communication stated that music will be furnishbd by an 11 piece orchestra, which will appeal to people in the 35-65 age bracket. Reports filed by the Po1ice and Fire Departments indicated no objection to the permit. on motion introduced by Councilman Mangini, second by Councilman Amstrup and unanimously carried, the permit was authorized as requested, extension beyond the four month period to be subject to Council review. 2. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ALLOCAT]ON - FY 1974-1975 In a communication dated May 7, 1974, Irilliam F. Hauser, Executive Vice Presj-dent, Burlingame Chamber of Commerce, submitted for the Council's approval the proposed budget for the fiscal- year 1974-75 in an amount of $15,500.00, $4,850.00 below FY L973-74 allocation. The com'nunication was referred to Council Budget Corunittee for review and recommendation. 3. MUNICfPAL PARTICIPATfON IN THE ARTS In acknowledging the City Manager's letter of May 13, L974, on the above subject, Mayor Crosby explained that the Council is desirous of receiving input from everyone concerned. He asked if those in the audience who were interested wished to pursue informal- discussion at this time with the understanding there would be no action until the Council has an opportunity of in-depth review at a study meeting, or postpone any discussj-on to a study meeting. 183 Mr. R. Sanborn Towle, member of the Executive Board of the Burlingame Civic Arts Council, agreed that a study session would be desirable but some of the people woutd appreciate an opportunity to comment at this tjme. The City Manager's letter was read. It gave background information on the develop- ment of the Arts Council from 1970 when the idea of a cultural program was first broached by a citizens' group, to the present time when the group functions as the Burlingame Civic Arts Council funded by the City and under the operation and control- of the Recreation DePartment. Following are excerpts from the City Manager's l-etter "Three decisions are necessary: 1. Can this city justify a separate arts and culture department? The answer appears to be a fairly clear "no" because there is not the need for such an expense. The present operation is not serving sufficient people to warrant a separate department. 2. Is an advisory art and culture commission desirable to provide promotion and support for such activity? The answer is "yes". 3. Where should such an advisory commission be structured within the city organizaEion? It should best be an advisory commission to the Recreation Department. Art activities, such as classes, etc., can most efficiently and effectlvely be provided under the Recreation Department. If the advisory commission recommends high-level art and culture classes and they can be put on efficiently by the Recreation Departmentrs forces for administrative purposes, I am sure the participant doesn't care who puts them on." (Copies of the City Manager's letter and a proposed ordinance "Establishing An Art And Culture Conunission in the City of Burlingame And Providing For fts Duties" are on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) The City Manager, responding to Mayor Crosby, affirmed his position that it would appear to be inappropriate and expensive to provide a separate department for the Arts Council based on the criteria of need, demand and cost. Mr. Raymond Wagner, Recreation Department Director, stated that the Department, at the present time, offers a broad spectrwn of classes and activities, including variety in the arts, and that it would not be difficult to add 15 to 20 classes per semester in the fine arts category. He stated his position that it would be unwj.se to create a separate department at this time because of the expense. Mr. Wagner mentioned that the San Mateo County Arts Council, in its long-range plans, proposes an art center for the county in the mid-peninsula area where museum, gallery and performing arts facilities would be shared. A conununj-cation dated May 15, L974, to the City Manager from the Park and Recreation Commission, signed by Robert J. Leahy, Chairman, recommended "that the Burlingame Civic Arts Council be established as an Arts and Cultural Commission as outlined in your and Director Wagnerts recommended and proposed City Ordinance." Mr. Towle read a letter from the Burlingame Civic Arts Council to the City Council dated May 17, L974. Following are excerpts from the letter: 1. "The underlying concept which the Burlingame Cj-vic Arts Council proposes for acceptance by the City of Burlingame through the City Council's position on the subject is that the City of Burlingame recognizes the need for and the integral benefits irrtrerent in a cultural program sponsored by the City towards the enrichment of the residentsr life and the enhancement of Burlingame's position arnong all of its neighboring communities. 2. We are asking that the City of Burlingame acknowledge the benefit of a cultural program sponsored by the City, not only for its residents, but for the community at 1arge. Substantial funds would be required and has never been denied or hidden by the Arts Council. The insular approach to cultural activities inferred in the ordinance proposed by the City Manager and actively pursued by the Recreation Department is antithetical to the concept stated and strived for by the Arts Council since June of L97L. 1E-+ 3. At recent meetings between the Park and Recreation Corunission and the gurlingame Civic Arts Council in joint study sessions, and in the two groupsrrespective meetings, it has been made clear to those who attended that to function properly and effectively, the Burlingame Civic Arts Council should be a separate entity and possibly a Commission of the City Council. 4. Considering the limited budget and virtualty non-existent staff assistance for the majority of the Arts Council's struggle to launch an adult oriented, quality assured cul-tural program, the Burlingame Civic Arts Council feels that its program success to date and the growth that has taken place during the past three years, not only in program quality and scope, but in recognition from other communities, deserves the opportuni-ty to continue towards achieving the ultimate objective. That objective being a civic building in the City of Burlingame dedicated to culture and its expression. " (A copy of the letter is on file in the office of the City Clerk.) Itr. Towle read from a prepared statement endorsing the concept of the Arts Council as a separate City department and citing his personal objections to the proposed ordinance. Mr. Rusch's reference to a report furnished the Arts Council by Mr. Wagner indicating an estimated total of I8O2 hours of Recreation staff time in assisting the Arts Council during L973-74 initiated a brief period of discussion during which the City Manager explained that provision was made in the Recreation Department budget for such assistance. In response to an inquiry from Councilman Arnstrup, the City Manager reported that rent has not been charged against the Arts Council budget, neither at the prior location on Lorton Avenue, nor its current quarters at Coolidge School. Councilman Harrison expressed the hope that the people on both the Arts Council and in the Recreation Department could view the overall situation objectively. Corunents in the letters that were written, especially from the Arts Council, and comments from the floor indicate emotional and personality involvement. This is a matter of some concern. He expressed full support of art and cultural activities, whether in the present framework or not, but reference to "publicity" and "recognition from other communities" should not be the standard for establishment of such activities in Burtingame. Rather, he would prefer to think in terms of just the needs of the City of Burlingame and not the program that will place the eity in competition with other communities. Councilman Cusick pointed out that, on the basis of figures furnished the Council on the number of peopte who attended Recreation Department clases, and taking into consideration total Recreation budget, the cost per person appears to be $I3.0C. Applying a similar formula to the Arts Council program, the cost per person would be $48.00. This would appear to be an area requiring study and analysis. Councilman Cusick stated that the Arts Council is doing a good job and, hopefully, its activities witl continue but without the feeling of competition that has developed between it and the Recreation Department. Commenting on the matter of program distribution, she felt .it a waste of money for the two groups to distribute separate brochures. She endorsed the idea of a separate commission but was most concerned that the groups work together so that the Burlingame citizen can get the best of both. Councilman Mangini explained he was associated with the art group as the Councilrs representative since the time the citizens' committee was formed to investigate feasibility of a cultural center in the City. ft was his opinion that the City is not ready, from a Ci-vic Arts Council standpoint, to undertake construction of (A copy of the statement is on file in the office of the City Cterk.) Mr. Clarence Rusch, member of the Executive Board of the Arts Council, pointed out that approximately $3,000.00 was returned to the City from the $61300.00 allocated to the Arts Council in L972-73, and of the $14r800.00 alloc,ated in 73-74, approximately $7 r2OO.00 is expected to be returned. Furthermore, the Arts Council has contributed much to the image of the City of Burlingame because of its fine arts activities. Mr. Rusch conrnented that this kind of publicity cannot be bought. 185 a building paid for by the Burlingame taxpayer. He stated that the program should be continued at its present level and, Iater in the year, when a vacancy will occur in the Recreation Department due to retirement, perhaps the replacement employee can be someone oriented to the arts who will be helpfuJ- in assisting the Arts Council. With respect to the budget, this should continue under the supervision of the Recreation Director. AIso, better communication could improve program planning. Audience comments were heard from Mrs. R. J. Von Tauffchirken, I2l3 Drake Avenue, Ms. Anastasia CoIe, teacher of art at the Recreation Department, Mr. Richard T. perry, 601 Concord Avenue, Mrs. S. L. Drake, I3I5 Vancouver Avenue, in support of programs offered by the Recreation Department. Mrs. Donald Teixeira, 1601 Granada Drive, and Mrs. Edwin Taylor, 7OL Burlingame Avenue, members of the Civic Arts Council, spoke in behalf of their organization, its programs and goals. Mrs. Donald A. Knudsen, 315 Occidental Avenue, asked whether the City Council wiII allocate funds toward a center, or should the Arts Council extend its efforts to promote a county facility. Councilman Amstrup, Chairman, Council Budget Cormnittee, pointed out that alloca- tion of City funds is a grave responsibility. The Arts Councj-I has done a fine job but the idea of a building with a large theater and art gallery appears to be beyond reach at this time for the reason that funds are not available. Mrs. Polly Herrick, member of the Park and Recreatj-on Commission, stated that everyone in the City family carries an obligation to serve the people of Burlingame. The Arts Council and the Recreation Department are both offering public service. If there have been internal misunderstandings and problems, every effort should be made to resolve them. l{rs. Wilma Myhre, Chairman, Burlingame Civic Arts Council, stated that the group has attempted. to plan programs that meet public demand, that it was never intended to compete with Recreation but to stay withj-n the guidelines set down by the City Council. Mayor Crosby asked Mrs. Myhre to conunent on the issue of the Arts Counci-I performing as a separate entity as opposed to its present structure. She explained that many serious artists do not wish to be associated with the Recreation Department because they do not consider thej-r art as recreation. Acknowledgrment was made of communications from Ms. Veda Baldwin, 1800 Adeline Drive, and Mrs. Arthur Wall, 517 Burlingame Avenue, supporting the Arts Council as a separate entity and endorsing the idea of a Burlingame cultural center. Councilman Amstrup mentioned the possibility of a county facility funded by the cities, similar to the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mayor Crosby expressed willingness to present the idea to the County Council- of Mayors. Councilman Mangini thought the idea of a non-profit organization, proposed originally by the citizens committee, should be pursued. Councilmen Cusick and Harrison pointed out that the proposed ordinance attempts to establish definitive guidelines and, after study, the Arts Council may find it acceptable. Councilman Cusick also supported the non-profit organization concept, similar to Friends of the Library. Mrs. Myrhe stated there had not been time for careful review of the proposed ordinance. In response to her request, Mayor Crosby, with Council concurrence, agreed to posLpone further discussion to a future study meeting. RECONVEI$E: Following a recess at 10:30 p.m., the Chair reconvened the meeting at 10 242 p.m. 186 ANNOUNCEMENT Mayor Crosby announced the impending retirement of Chief of Police Carl M, Lol1in and appointment of Geral-d A. Nordstrom, presently Captain in the Police Department, as his successor. Mayor Crosby also announced that City Attorney Burress Karmel has informed the Council of his intention to retire within the year. COMMUNICATIONS (cont.) 4. SAN MATEO COUNTY HARBOR DISTRICT A communication dated May IO, L974, from Jack C. Bishop, President, Board of Harbor Commissioners, San Mateo County Harbor District, concerned the forthcoming hearing before LAFCO on the proposal filed by the City of San Bruno for the dissolution of the Harbor District. The communication stated that if the Burlingame City Council desires to consider the issue, it would be appreciated if the Harbor Commission could be so advised and afforded an opportunity for presentation of the Districtrs point of view. The City Attorney reported that after the last Council meeting when he received dj-rection to prepare an alternative resolution for the City of Burlingame to petition for dissolution, he decided to recommend that Burlingame join with the City of San Bruno and support its petition, rather than filing a separate petition. ff this can be worked out so that there is just one petition, then the two cities, or any other cities, could share in the cost of the Environmental Impact Report. Council willing, he wiII pursue this course. The Council indicated no objection. The City Attorney then recormnended, before any action is taken by the Council, that each member read the large packet of material sent out by the Harbor District several months ago so that the spokesman for the Council before LAFCO can say that each Councilman was fully informed before casting a vote. During the course of the hearings before LAFCO on detachment, the spokesman, in most instances, was either a Mayor or a Councilman. ft seemed to be quite important that an elected official spoke, and also quite i-mportant that each of the Council members, whom this spokesman represented, was fully informed before voting contrary to the District. 5. EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONS PROGRAM - SB 2133 In a communication dated May 15, L974, the City Manager recommended support of this legislation sponsored by the League of California Cities and the County Supervisors Association. The Council requested copies of the bill for review prior to taking an official stand. RESOLUTIONS 1. RESOLUTfON NO. 24-74 "Authorizing Execution Of Encroachment Permit" (To a corporation) was introduced by Councilman Amstrup,Longs Drug Stores, fnc., who moved its adoption, on roll caII. second by Councilman Mangini and unanimously carried ORDfNANCES - Second reading: 1. ORDINANCE NO. 1005 "An ordinance Amending Sections 18.04.010, 18.O4.O2O, And 18.04.030 Of The Burlingame Municipal Code Providing For The Establishnent Of Fire Zones By Withdrawing Lots 28, 3A And 38, Block 3, Town Of Burlingame, From Eire Zone A And Including Them fn Fire Zone III" was given its second reading. On motion of Councilman Mangini, second by Councilman Harrison, said Ordinance passed its second reading and was unanimously adopted on ro11 call. 2. ORDINANCE NO. 1007 "An Ordinance Amending Section 25.I2.0I0 Of The Burlingame Municipal Code And The Zoning Maps Therein Incorporated By Reclassifying Lots 28,34 And 38, Block 3, Town of Burlinganne, I'rom First Conunercial (C-1) District To Third Residential (R-3) District" was given its second reading. On motion of Councilman Amstrup, second by Councilman Harrison, said Ordinance. passed its second reading and was unanimously adopted on roll call. 187 3. ORDINANCE NO. 1008 "An ordinance Amending Sub-Sections D(1) And (2) of Section 6.36.120 of The Municipal Code of The City of Burlingame And Increasing The Rates Of Fare For Transportation In Taxicabs" was given its second reading. on motion of Councilman Cusick, second by Councilman Mangini, said Ordinance passed its second reading and was unanimously adopted on roll caII. 4- ORDINANCE NO. 1010 "An Ordinance Providing For A Moratorium on The Conversion Of Structures To Condominiums" was given its second reading. On motion of Councilman Harrison, second by Councilman Amstrup, said Ordinance passed its second reading and was unanimously adopted on roll call. NEW BUSINESS I SEt{ATE BILL 1966: Councilman Amstrup called attention to a recent press article concerning this bil1, introduced by Senator James A. Mills, San Diego, proposing that the Metropolitan Transportation Conunission be empowered to shift transit funds currently earmarked for Bay Area Counties to subsidize BART. Councilman Amstrup's motion to place the City of Burlingame on record with the legislature as strongly opposing the bill was seconded by Councilman Harrison and unanimously carried. The City Manager was directed to so inform San Mateo County legislators. 2. ABAG DELEGATE: Councilman Cusick accepted the Mayor's invitation to serve as the City of Burlingame delegate to ABAG General Assembly. 3. BURIINGAME DAYS ADVERTISEMENI: The City Council authorized an expenditure for this item in special supplements to be prepared by the San Mateo Times and the Burlingame Villager. 4. AB 2040 Proposal For Bay Area Regional Planning Agency: Councilman Cusick asked that this subject be placed on the agenda of the next regular meeting to give the Council an opportunity to decide whether it should take an official stand in opposition. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Deteriorating Houses:Acknowledgment was made of a communication from the L974, reporting on properti-es mentioned at the lastCity Manager dated May 15, Council meeting. Councilman Harrison asked that the Chief of Police have the property at 1I8 Dwight Road inspected for dilapidated automobiles. 2. DRAFT TENTATIVE EIR - ANZA MASTER PI,AN Mr. David Keyston appeared to discuss his letter of May 5, L974, to the Planning Commission, with copies to ttre City Council, concerning proposed EIR supplements resulting from the special study session on May 4. Ivir. Keyston reported he did not attend the last Planning Commission study meeting but it was his understanding that the consensus appeared to be that the decision should rest with the City Council as to whether these additional studi-es should be produced by Anza and. submitted to the Planning Commission and City Council. A series of seven supplements to the EIR were detailed in the communication. were reviewed and Mr. Keyston confirmed they would be implemented. They With respect to possible access to the Freeway at Oak Grove Avenue, Mr. Keyston agreed there would. have to be an EIR study once it is determined that this isthe most logical solution to the traffj-q problems that will develop, In response to Councilman Amstrupts inquiry regarding the countyrs plans to proceed with improvements of the Coyote Point road, Mr. Keyston reported he has seen modifications proposed at Peninsula Avenue which, in his opinion, will havelittIe effect on solving the basic problem of traffic at this location. IEb In response to Councilman Harrison, Mr. Keyston agreed to prepare alternate building designs of lower buildings of less density, to ha're studies prepared on minimum effect of the project on the city and, in response to Councilman Cusick, to prepare additional studies on costs of traffic controls. PROCLAMATI-ON: I\tayorCrosby proclaimed the week of May 2I - 2'l , L974, WORKSHOP WORKERS WEEK (subsidiary of Society for Crippled Children and Adults of San Mateo County, fnc.). ACKNOI/VLEDGMEITIS 1. City of San Jose-Resolution in support of 1974 State Clean Water Bond fssue. 2. San Mateo County Mosquito Abatement District "Report To Local Agency Formation Commission. " 3. Police and Fire Departments - Monthly Activity Reports. 4. Minutes: Health, Safety & Traffic Commission, May 9, Planning Corunission Special Study Meeting, May 4, Civic Arts Council Executive Board, May 7, City Council Meeting on Broadway Parking, April 29. APPROVALS WARRANTS Nos. 5980 through 623L, in the amount of $274,L2L.55, duly audited, were approved for payment on motion of Councilman Cusick, second by Councilman Amstrup and unanimously carried. pAyROLL April, L974, Checks Nos. 2L5L6 through 2L6OO and I01 through 71I, in the amount of $2761635.88, were approved on motion of Councilman Cusick, second by Councilman Amstrup and unanjmously carried. ADJOURNMENI The meeting was regularly adjourned at 11:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Herbert K.t ty Clerk,