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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 2021.10.04CITY G BURLINGAME FATED JYNE � BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL Approved Minutes Regular City Council Meeting on October 4, 2021 1. CALL TO ORDER A duly noticed meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date via Zoom Webinar at 7:01 p.m. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG The pledge of allegiance was led by City Attorney Guina. 3. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Beach, Brownrigg, Colson, O'Brien Keighran MEMBERS ABSENT: Ortiz 4. REPORT OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION a. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 PROPERTY: 250 ANZA BOULEVARD, BURLINGAME, CALIFORNIA AGENCY NEGOTIATORS: CITY MANAGER LISA K. GOLDMAN, PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR MARGARET GLOMSTAD, CITY ATTORNEY MICHAEL GUINA, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY SCOTT SPANSAIL, KAREN MURPHY FROM BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN NEGOTIATING PARTIES: CITY OF BURLINGAME; TOPGOLF USA BURLINGAME, LLC UNDER NEGOTIATIONS: PRICE AND TERMS OF REAL ESTATE NEGOTIATIONS City Attorney Guina stated that direction was given, but there was no reportable action. 5. UPCOMING EVENTS Mayor O'Brien Keighran reviewed upcoming events in the city. 6. PRESENTATIONS a. BURLINGAME PARKS AND RECREATION FOUNDATION PRESENTATION 1 Carol Yasuda Terrones, President of the Burlingame Parks and Recreation Foundation, presented the City of Burlingame with a check for $5,000 for use towards the Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarships. She stated that the Parks and Recreation Foundation was able to raise the money through various fundraising events. She mentioned some of the events including: music in the park, family camp out, a golf tournament, and a future pickle ball tournament. She commented that the Foundation will help with the Muddy Mile and the Tree Lighting events later this year. The Council thanked the Parks and Recreation Foundation for their hard work! b. CENTRAL COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT ZONEHAVEN PRESENTATION Community Risk and Resiliency Specialist ("CRR Specialist") Dena Gunning and Deputy Fire Chief Ken Giacotto from Central County Fire Department ("CCFD") gave a presentation on Zonehaven. Deputy Fire Chief Giacotto explained that Burlingame is divided into nine zones. He stated that this was done to make evacuation planning and implementation easier. He discussed the recent wind storms and fires and noted that they don't leave a lot of time for emergency personnel to react. Deputy Fire Chief Giacotto stated that Zonehaven gives emergency personnel a platform to plan and respond to emergencies quicker. He noted that Zonehaven is the standard evacuation plan in San Mateo County. He explained that because all agencies in the county are operating on the Zonehaven platform, it is easier to work with other agencies, and everyone knows each other's plans. Deputy Chief Giacotto explained that this plan was used during the CZU Fires that occurred a couple of years ago. He noted that the plan worked, and that Zonehaven continues to grow and develop. He stated that Zonehaven has allowed communication with citizens through various agencies and platforms. CRR Specialist Gunning explained CCFD has always used the following avenues of communication regarding emergencies: 911 dispatch, mass notifications, social media, first responders, websites, and news media. She mentioned that Zonehaven enables CFFD to get the message out quicker and more easily. She stated that Zonehaven is an all-inclusive platform that reduces time and complication for mass communication. She stated that Zonehaven is integrated with other platforms, such as Waze, to utilize real- time traffic information. CRR Specialist Gunning reviewed the five evacuation status levels: • Red — Evacuation Order: An immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The Area is lawfully closed to public access. • Yellow — Evacuation Warning: A potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock, should leave now. • Blue — Advisory: A notice to be on alert and follow county recommendations. • Green — Clear to Repopulate: It is safe to return to your home. Be aware of your surroundings and go through the returning home checklist. 2 • Purple — Shelter in Place: An order to go indoors. Shut and lock doors and windows. Prepare to self - sustain until further notice and/or contacted by emergency personnel for additional direction. • White — Normal: There is no current knowledge of threats affecting your area, and you can carry on with normal activity. CRR Specialist Gunning urged citizens to go to the Zonehaven website, look up their zone, become familiar with the agencies responsible for their zone, and subscribe to SMC Alert. She explained that SMC Alert is the main avenue for communications. Mayor O'Brien Keighran asked if the alerts could be sent in multiple languages. CRR Specialist Gunning stated that there are plans to make alerts available in multiple languages in the future. Mayor O'Brien Keighran asked if there was a way to inform people which evacuation route is the best in order to avoid traffic. CRR Specialist Gunning stated that Zonehaven uses real time traffic data to route residents. Councilmember Brownrigg commented that he signed up for SMC Alert and thanked CRR Specialist Gunning and Deputy Fire Chief Giacotto for the presentation. Mayor O'Brien Keighran asked if the City could publish the link to SMC Alert and information about Zonehaven in the eNews. City Manager Goldman replied in the affirmative. c. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH MONTH. Mayor O'Brien Keighran read the proclamation recognizing October as Children's Environmental Health Month. d. UPDATE ON FUEL REDUCTION IN MILLS CANYON Parks Supervisor Holtz began his presentation with an overview of the Mills Canyon area. He stated that Mills Canyon was given to the City through development, and it was largely unused for decades. He continued that in 1977, Ed Taylor and some friends got permission from the City to create the loop through the canyon that is now known as the Ed Taylor Loop Trail. Parks Supervisor Holtz stated that prior to 2013, the City's work at Mills Canyon was mainly minor trail maintenance and infrastructure improvements. However, in 2013, the City partnered with other agencies in order to provide trail improvements and fuel load reduction. Parks Supervisor Holtz reviewed the City's five -pronged approach to fuel load reduction in the canyon: 1. Parks staff — routine maintenance and repairs 2. CAL FIRE — fuel reduction management 3. California Conservation Corps — trail improvements 4. Volunteers — removal of invasive species and erosion mitigation 3 5. Contractors — assist when above resources are limited Parks Supervisor Holtz stated that CAL FIRE has been an invaluable partner when it comes to the City's work in Mills Canyon. He explained that they average 20 to 30 working days a year. He added that the City has also partnered with the California Conservation Corps to improve the trails and provide the public with access to the canyon. Parks Supervisor Holtz discussed the different volunteers that the City has worked with over the years including the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the Friends of Mills Canyon. He added that more recently, the Parks Division has been working with the Youth Advisory Committee in order to keep the trails clear. Parks Supervisor Holtz reviewed images of trail improvements that the City has been able to complete. The improvements include adding a stairway to the entrance of the trail and the Parks Division's partnership with a company to map the different trails in Mills Canyon. Parks Supervisor Holtz stated that the Parks Division's goal is to undertake fuel load reduction in areas of Mills Canyon that are within 100 feet of private residences. He explained that this includes removing grass, non-native species, and dead and undesirable shrubbery, and limbing trees up to ten -foot height to prevent ladder fuels. Parks Supervisor Holtz reviewed an image that depicted the areas of Mills Canyon where the City performs annual maintenance and the areas that are private property. He noted that the Parks Division receives a lot of calls about dead trees in the canyon. However, a lot of the time these trees are on private property. He explained that the City's approach is to send out mailers to property owners about fuel load reductions. Parks Supervisor Holtz discussed fuel load reduction measures. He explained that because grasses can ignite very easily, the City's goal is to mow or whip the grassy vegetation down to approximately four inches when it is dry. He noted the importance of conducting routine maintenance to ensure that the vegetation is kept at bay. Parks Supervisor Holtz stated that unfortunately due to climate change, the City lost seven 80-foot tall pine trees in the canyon. He noted that CAL FIRE will come in and mulch as many of the trees as they can. He explained that sometimes portions of the tree are left behind as long as they don't become a ladder fuel for fires. Parks Supervisor Holtz reviewed an image of Mills Canyon where there isn't a lot of growth. He noted that the City often hears complaints that the Parks Division is clear cutting areas of the canyon but that is not true. He explained that the image is an area of the canyon where yellow acacias used to exist. He stated that yellow acacias are not native to the area, crowd out native trees, and have an oil inside of them that make them burn with a higher intensity. He stated that once the trees are removed, the Parks Division will continue to maintain and foster the area in order to promote natural growth. Parks Supervisor Holtz discussed future challenges for fuel reduction in Mills Canyon: 1. Challenges in scheduling CAL FIRE and the California Conservation Corp 4 2. Greater reliance on staff and contractors 3. Exploring additional resources and new technologies Parks Supervisor Holtz stated that due to the pandemic, CAL FIRE has reduced the number of crews it has. He explained that CAL FIRE has two crews to work with local agencies from Monterey to San Francisco. Therefore, the City has to book time with CAL FIRE six months in advance. Parks Supervisor Holtz stated that Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad has been advocating for new technologies and equipment to help staff. He noted that while some jurisdictions have had success in using goats to help maintain grass and shrubbery, it can be tough as they eat with no regards to what is around them. He added that goats are very expensive and cost more than human labor. Parks Supervisor Holtz stated that since 2015, the California Conservation Corp has committed to 4,730 labor hours in Mills Canyon. He added that CAL FIRE has committed 7,566 labor hours in the same time period. He explained that this is the equivalent of having six full-time employees. Councilmember Brownrigg thanked Parks Supervisor Holtz for all the work in Mills Canyon. He added that his family has been enjoying the canyon for years. He suggested putting up information panels in the areas where the yellow acacias had been to educate the public. Parks Supervisor Holtz thanked him for his suggestion. Councilmember Colson commented that the canyon is probably the City's most vulnerable fire risk. She asked how the City can get this message out to more residents. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad responded that Parks and Recreation worked with CCFD to send a mailer to all residents near the canyon explaining what is going. She continued that staff will also put something in the eNews. Councilmember Beach echoed her colleagues. She thanked staff for their hard work in maintaining Mills Canyon. Additionally, she thanked all the volunteers who have assisted in keeping trails clear. Councilmember Brownrigg commented that he has seen a lot more poison oak in the area. He asked if it is becoming more common. Parks Supervisor Holtz responded that they are doing their best to remove it and push it back from the trails. Mayor O'Brien Keighran thanked all the volunteers and acknowledged Bobbi Benson, who made it her mission to help improve the canyon. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS, NON -AGENDA There were no public comments. 8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor O'Brien Keighran asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the Consent Calendar. No item was removed. 5 Councilmember Brownrigg made a motion to adopt the Consent Calendar; seconded by Councilmember Beach. The motion passed by roll call vote, 4-0-1. (Vice Mayor Ortiz was absent) a. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 CLOSED SESSION City Clerk Hassel -Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the September 7, 2021 Closed Session. b. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 STUDY SESSION City Clerk Hassel -Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the September 7, 2021 Study Session. c. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 REGULAR MEETING City Clerk Hassel -Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the September 7, 2021 Regular Meeting. d. APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 STUDY SESSION City Clerk Hassel -Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the September 20, 2021 Study Session. e. APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 REGULAR MEETING City Clerk Hassel -Shearer requested Council approve the City Council Meeting Minutes for the September 20, 2021 Regular Meeting. f. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 15.08 OF THE BURLINGAME MUNICIPAL CODE TO MODIFY THE PROCEDURE FOR SEWER RATE ADOPTION (CEOA DETERMINATION: EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEOA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378,15601(B)(3)) Public Works Director Murtuza requested Council adopt Ordinance Number 1998. g. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH POWERFLEX SYSTEMS INC., TO INSTALL AND OPERATE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS AT THE DONNELLY PARKING GARAGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $312,500, OF WHICH $300,000 2 WILL BE REIMBURSED THROUGH A CALEVIP GRANT; AND APPROPRIATING $312,500 FROM THE PARKING ENTERPRISE FUND Public Works Director Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 121-2021. h. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH SUAREZ & MUNOZ CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR THE VICTORIA PARK PLAYGROUND RENOVATION, CITY PROJECT 84730, IN THE AMOUNT OF $438,000 Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad requested Council adopt Resolution Number 122-2021. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearings. 10. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS a. CONSIDERATION OF THREE APPOINTMENTS TO THE BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION City Manager Goldman stated that there are three vacancies coming up due to the expiring terms of Mary Hunt, Mary Ellen Kearney, and Richard Kirchner. She noted that Commissioner Kearney elected not to reapply. The City published the vacancies and received four applicants: Sean Chu, Mary Hunt, Richard Kirchner, and Maria Ribera. She noted that the term would be for three years, ending on October 7, 2024. Mayor O'Brien Keighran opened the item up to public comment. No one spoke. City Clerk Hassel -Shearer asked the Council to text her their vote. She read their votes. Congratulations to Sean Chu, Maria Ribera, and Richard Kirchner for their appointment to the Beautification Commission. b. CONSIDERATION OF THREE APPOINTMENTS TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION City Manager Goldman explained that there is one partial term and two full terms up for appointment. She continued that one vacancy is due to the resignation of Commissioner Emily Matthews, whose term ends in 2023. She noted the other two vacancies are due to the expiring terms of Commissioners Leslie Holzman and Stephanie Lee. She stated that Stephanie Lee elected not to reapply. The City published the vacancies and received applications from Leslie Holzman, Robert Cannone, Howard Wettan, John Brunello, and Kevin Slaboda. Mayor O'Brien Keighran opened the item up to public comment. No one spoke. 7 City Clerk Hassel -Shearer asked the Council to text her their vote. She asked the Councilmembers to note which of their votes was to fill the partial term. She read their votes. After the first round of voting Leslie Holzman was reappointed to serve a full term. City Clerk Hassel -Shearer asked the Council to text her their vote for one full term and one partial term. She read their votes. After the second round of voting, Councilmember Colson suggested that since John Brunello had three votes (including votes for full term and partial term) that Council appoint him into the full -term spot. The Council agreed. City Clerk Hassel -Shearer asked the Council to text her their vote for the partial term. She read their votes. After the third round of voting, no candidate received a majority of the votes for the partial term. The Council decided to delay the vote until all five Councilmembers were present. Congratulations to Leslie Holzman and John Brunello on their full -term appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission. c. CONSIDERATION OF AN APPOINTMENT TO THE STORM DRAIN CITIZEN'S OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE DPW Murtuza explained that earlier this year, there were two vacancies on the Storm Drain Citizen's Oversight Committee due to the resignation of former Mayor Rosalie O'Mahony and the term expiration of Kevin Osborne. He stated that Michael Barber filled one of the vacancies when he was appointed by the City Council on June 21, 2021. DPW Murtuza stated that the additional vacancy was publicized in the San Mateo Daily Journal and in the eNews. He explained that the City received one application from Eric Klein and interviewed him on September 28, 2021. He noted that if Mr. Klein is appointed, his term will be for four years, ending on October 4, 2025. Mayor O'Brien Keighran opened the item up to public comment. No one spoke. City Clerk Hassel -Shearer asked the Council to text her their vote. She read their votes. Congratulations to Eric Klein for his appointment to the Storm Drain Citizen's Oversight Committee. d. BURLINGAME STATION PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT DESIGN UPDATE DPW Murtuza introduced Transportation Engineer Lisha Mai and Michael Fisher from CSG Consultants. 0 Transportation Engineer Mai stated that the objective for the item is to provide Council with an update on the Burlingame Station Pedestrian Improvements Project and obtain their feedback. She reviewed the background of the project, explaining that the improvements for this location arose from community involvement in the Lyon Hoag and adjacent neighborhoods traffic calming reports. She noted that the report addressed four major concerns: speeding, sight distance, cut -through traffic, and parking. Transportation Engineer Mai stated that the traffic calming study identified both quick build and permanent improvements totaling over $3 million. The City completed the installation of the quick build improvements including pedestrian bulb -outs. She noted that construction of permanent improvements is planned for the future. Transportation Engineer Mai stated that staff applied for and the City was awarded funding through the San Mateo County Transportation Authority Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Congestion Relief Plan to advance the permanent improvements. She noted that the City was approved for $600,000 of Measure W funding for the construction phase of the project in support of walking and biking in San Mateo County. Transportation Engineer Mai reviewed the timeline of the roject: Lyon Hoag Neighborhood Community Workshops 2019 Community Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee July 2021 Traffic, Safety & Parking Commission July 2021 City Council October 2021 Finalize Design Early 2022 Start Construction Summer 2022 Transportation Engineer Mai reviewed some of the objectives of the project: • Maintain oak tree • Treat storm water runoff • Additional landscaping • Shorten crossing distances • Improve sight distances • Eliminate diagonal crosswalk • Slow down traffic while creating a charming intersection Transportation Engineer Mai reviewed the goals of the project: • Pedestrian Accessibility o Sidewalks that provide access to all neighborhood amenities o ADA-compliant ramps o High visibility crosswalks o Shorter street crossing distances • Traffic Calming o Provide vehicle pathway delineation o Improve sight distance o Eliminate vehicle/pedestrian conflict zones o Reduce concerns regarding high vehicle speed 9 • Additional Goals o Improve parking standards o Preserve existing heritage tree o Incorporate a green infrastructure zone Transportation Engineer Mai explained the existing conditions of the current location. She noted that the pedestrian crosswalks are longer than ideal. Mr. Fisher gave an overview of the proposed project. He stated the project's many advantages, including: narrower crossings, more visible and clear traffic lanes, and an overall calmer environment. Mr. Fisher reviewed some of the improvements included in the project: • New/extended sidewalk • Curb extensions and ADA-compliant ramps • High visibility crosswalks • Shorter crosswalk distances • Reduced intersection footprint (asphalt area) • Raised crosswalk (speed cushion) • Narrow entrance into parking area • Standardized parking space lengths • Preserve existing heritage tree • Incorporate green infrastructure • Additional landscaping Mr. Fisher explained that this proposal was presented to the Traffic, Safety & Parking Commission. He reviewed the feedback staff received from TSPC: • Consider additional enhancements at the parking lot. • Extend the greenery of the area where possible. • Consider adding a third crosswalk. (He noted that this request conflicts with the Caltrain right-of- way limits, existing utility, and ingress into the Caltrain parking area.) • Accommodate an all -way stop, consider reducing east lane northbound to one lane (from two), and add a second lane in southbound direction. (He noted that the northbound east lane is heavily utilized during school and commute hours.) • Consider reversing parking lot direction of travel. (He noted that this introduces additional movements to Carolan Avenue/North Lane intersection.) Mr. Fisher stated that staff also received feedback from BPAC. He noted that BPAC supports the overall objectives of the project, especially safe crossings, and would like a third crossing. He added that BPAC has concerns with the no stop at the East Lane crosswalk. Mayor O'Brien Keighran asked for more information on why the third crosswalk can't be added. Transportation Engineer Mai responded that the third crosswalk would encroach on the JBP right-of-way and a PG&E utility pole. She noted that these factors make it difficult to create a landing spot for the sidewalk 10 on the Caltrain side. She explained that the City would revisit the third crosswalk if any opportunities with Caltrain or PG&E arise. Councilmember Colson asked if the drawings were done by the community or the consultant. DPW Murtuza responded that they were developed from the community meetings in Lyon Hoag. Transportation Engineer Mai responded that the hand -sketched drawings were done with input from BPAC and drawn by Commissioner Lee. Mayor O'Brien Keighran opened the item up to public comment. No one spoke. Councilmember Beach thanked Transportation Engineer Mai and Mr. Fisher for all their work on the project. She voiced appreciation for how the improvements created a calmer intersection. Additionally, she thanked the Transportation Authority for the grant. Councilmember Colson stated that she is in favor of the improvements. She noted that this will be coming online at the same time as the new community center. She asked that the City conduct public outreach to ensure that the community knows about the project. Councilmember Colson discussed the landscaping that the Parks and Recreation staff undertook near the tennis courts. She voiced appreciation for their hard work and asked that the landscaping be integrated with this project. DPW Murtuza replied in the affirmative. Mayor O'Brien Keighran stated that she hopes that a third crossing can be installed in the future. 11. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Council reviewed their committee appointments. 12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS There were no future agenda items. 13. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The agendas, packets, and meeting minutes for the Planning Commission, Traffic, Safety & Parking Commission, Beautification Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, and Library Board of Trustees are available online at www.burlin ag me.org. 11 14. ADJOURNMENT Mayor O'Brien Keighran adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m. in memory of Charlotte Murdoff, who passed away from osteosarcoma. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Meaghan Hassel -Shearer City Clerk 12