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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1974.01.211(l Burlingame, California January 21, 1974 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Burlingame City Council was called to order on the above date at 8:05 p.m., Mayor R. D. Martin presiding. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The City Clerk led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. RCMT. 0AT.T. PRESENT: COUNCILMEN: Amstrup-Crosby-Cusick-Mangini-Martin ABSENT: COUNCILMEN: None MINUTES The minutes of the meeting of January 7, 1974, previously submitted to members, were approved and adopted. COMMUNICATIONS 1. RECREATION CENTER IMPROVEMENTS Under date of January 17, 1974, the City Manager submitted a proposal from Kingsford Jones for architectural services in connection with proposed improve- ments at the Recreation Center building. In his proposal, the architect stated "that the total overall fee shall not exceed 10.75% of the construction cost and could be less." The Council approved the proposal in principle, the architect to return with construction costs detail for final approval. 2. BRANCH LIBRARY A communication dated January 15, 1974, was received from the Library Board of Trustees, signed by Ben L. Hechinger, Secretary, supporting the concept of retention and improvement of the Easton Branch Library and approving the schematic plans for such improvements, reviewed by the Council at the January study meeting. Refurbishing of the branch library to the extent discussed with the Librarian at the January study meeting was thereupon authorized. f`iY_ .WffieL9 1. PROPOSED OFFICE BUILDING, 533 AIRPORT BOULEVARD ANZA PACIFIC CORPORATION, DEVELOPER Mayor Martin announced that this was the time and place scheduled to conduct a public hearing for the purpose of considering the Draft Environmental Impact Report and application for special permit submitted by Anza Pacific Corporation in connection with its proposed five story office structure in the C-4 (Waterfront Commercial) District, Lots 16 through 19, Block 7, Anza Airport Park. (The project requires the Council's approval of a special permit because the building will exceed 35 feet in height, Emergency Ordinance No. 984, extended.) Declaring the hearing open, the Chair recognized Mr. David Keyston, Vice - President, Anza Pacific Corporation. Mr. Keyston stated that: 1. The proposed building, a twin to the existing building at 433 Airport Boulevard, would be constructed on the adjacent three lots to the west, and the next unit constructed totally in accordance with the Anza Master Plan. 2. The proposed building would differ from the existing in that there would be no restaurant on the top floor. 3. The E.I.R. is identical to the one submitted on the adjacent building, which was approved by the Council. 106 RETAINING WALL: Mr. Keyston stated that the Planning Department, citing Code Section 25.41.040, questions legality of the retaining wall in the front setback. He explained that the wall acts as a divider between landscaping at the front of the building and the first row of parking in the lower level of the parking structure. There is a similar situation at 433 Airport Boulevard. He questioned whether there actually is conflict with Section 25.41.040 and suggested, if there is, that Section 25.62.080 "Underground Garages In Setback Areas," may specifically authorize the wall. He stated that the wall in the existing building juts into the setback at one corner; in the proposal, it would be within the front setback for the full length of the building, the top of the wall being approximately four feet below sidewalk. Councilman Mangini stated he failed to see where Section 25.41.040 would be applicable. Mr. Keyston stated that this is the only question that has been raised with respect to applicability or violation of any particular code section with the exception of the emergency ordinance regulating building height. The building will be Type 1, Class A construction, sprinklered throughout, less impactive than the last building because it will be about 10 feet less in height, parking in excess of code will be provided. The project is part of the Anza Master Plan, not one of the larger or higher buildings; hopefully, it can be approved separately and not delayed until the overall master plan is considered. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT: The various elements of the E.I.R. were reviewed by Mr. Keyston. He noted that probably one of the major impacts will be added traffic. The services of JHK&Associates have been engaged for a traffic study; perhaps this can be coordinated with the overall bayfront traffic study. Copies of the report should be available to the Council within sixty days. Mr. Keyston stated that the proposed building should not overtax the existing roadways but that the Anza Master Plan deserves serious consideration in this area. Referring to Page 9 of the E.I.R., Item A, "The most serious unavoidable adverse effect is the interference with scenic views and vistas presently available to people driving, residing, or working to the south of the site..........," he stated that the proposed building will be close to the existing building, holding to the master plan concept of clustered buildings to provide major expanses of open space. FORM E-2 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: Referring to this form, Mayor Martin noted that "Land Area" is shown as 71,552 square feet and "Site Coverage" 19%. He asked about ground coverage including parking. Mr. Keyston reported 75 to 80%. Further in response to the Chair, Mr. Keyston stated building height will be 73 feet above curb height. Councilman Amstrup asked about building dimensions recided on Page 1 of the E.I.R. Mr. Keyston stated that the building is proposed to be 60 feet deep by 200 feet wide. PARKING -SETBACKS -LANDSCAPING: Councilman Cusick asked if there was any reason that the building could not be moved back to give the proper front setback with expanded landscaping; landscaping proposed at the rear could be moved to the front. Mr. Keyston stated this would eliminate one complete row of parking. The intent is to provide about 40 more spaces than required for this building to take care of parking for one of the future buildings. He stated, also, that plantings at the back will be replaced eventually with a large landscaped deck extending to the next two buildings; this is part of the overall master plan. In response to Councilman Crosby, Mr. Keyston stated he does not anticipate problems with landscaping; salt in the soil can be overcome by bringing in good top soil. However, there has been damage to plants 350 to 400 feet back from the bay resulting from salt spray during stormy weather. On the E.I.R. for the master plan, a landscape architect will do an in-depth report and recommend species that can withstand these conditions. 1-07 Councilman Cusick asked if the Planning Commission approved encroachment of the parking structure into the front setback. Mr. Keyston replied he was not asked by anyone to bring this to the Commission. It was Councilman Cusick's position that setbacks in the Waterfront Commercial District are important and that reasons for variation should be spelled out. Mr. Keyston stated that many of the other buildings in the master plan are proposed to come out into the setback and, to his knowledge, there is no place in the code where an undergound parking structure is prohibited in the setback. The City Engineer left the Council Chambers to research data requested by Mayor Martin. On his return, he reported the subdivision map shows 87 feet right of way for Airport Boulevard measured to the back edge of the sidewalk, which is 421 feet from the face of the curb. Immediately adjacent to the back of the sidewalk, there is a 5 foot PUE, and, superimposed on that, the 15 foot building setback line and storm drain easement. Mayor Martin pointed out that the storm drain easement would preclude any form of structure within the 15 feet. Mr. Keyston stated it was his recollection that the storm drain easement stops short of this property. (This was confirmed later by the City Engineer.) The City Planner recalled that two spaces in the underground parking at the adjacent building projected into the front setback. When this was discussed, the suggestion was made that the spaces be eliminated, in lieu of relocating the entire structure. The spaces were left in and the E.I.R. approved. With respect to the new building, the City Planner reported there may be some problems of insufficient material for information. Staff has had difficulty in determining location of property lines in order to calculate landscaping. This concern might be alleviated by knowing what portion of the lot the structure will occupy. If all of the lot, the plans need to be clarified because they indicate a column for a future structure, and the column line is inboard of the landscaping. Mr. Keyston stated there are four lots in the total site; approximately 15% of the four lots will be landscaped to satisfy code requirements. He stated that some column lines shown on one end of the building are for future expansion of the parking that may go over to the next lot. Mayor Martin noted there is an area of approximately 113 feet that shows nothing. Mr. Keyston stated a 10 foot strip will be planted as shown on the landscape plan, Sheet L -l. Mayor Martin asked about future resubdivision of the site; if there are plans to do this, the Council should know lot coverage after resubdivision. Mr. Keyston stated he had no plans to resubdivide unless required to do so by code. Mayor Martin pointed out if there are to be other structures the percentage of lot coverage increases. He commented that, rather than being 19%, coverage appears closer to 30%. Mr. Keyston explained that the 71,552 square feet represents project site, not total land area of the four lots, and that square footage detail on the plans appears to be correct. The City Planner reported he computed approximately 53,000 square feet of structural coverage from the figures on the plans, against 71,000 square feet site area, or approximately 75% coverage. He pointed out that it is not crucial as to coverage when the parking structure is added if this is considered an underground garage. The key point is to establish the site area to be assigned to this particular project. Once the site area is fixed, the amount of landscaping to satisfy code, which is 15%, can be established. Mr. Keyston referred to a suggestion earlier in the discussion that the building be moved back. He explained this would involve considerable redesigning because of the master plan concept of connecting underground garages. Councilman Cusick suggested that the open area over the garage at the front of the site be covered over and landscaped. This would give the effect of 30 feet of front setback that the code requires in the Waterfront Commercial District. Mr. Keyston advised that Anza was hoping that in the rest of the 108 buildings a structure will be permitted in the front setback so long as it is landscaped on top. Councilman Cusick expressed a preference for expanded landscaping with a variance on the setback in lieu of little or no landscaping. Councilman Amstrup supported Councilman Cusick, explaining he was concerned that landscaping be visible from the street, not only from inside the building. Mr. Edwin P. Taylor, 701 Burlingame Avenue, protested that Anza's plan will create traffic and smog problems. He asked that the 35 foot height limitation be enforced, citing Millsdale Industrial Park as an excellent example of an industrial park where not one building exceeds 35 feet. He stated that J continuous approval of variances and special permits creates frustration for the citizens who wonder what is happening to their home town. He urged the Council to hold to the height limitation recited in the emergency ordi- nance. Mayor Martin thereafter announced a continuance of the hearing to the meeting of February 4, 1974, Mr. Keyston to return with a revised legal description of the property for the purposes of the Environmental Impact Report and a proposal for landscaping at the front that will be compatible with suggestions made by the Council. RECONVENE: Following a recess at 9:40 p.m., the Chair reconvened the meeting at 9:55 p.m. HEARINGS (cont.) 2. INDOOR TENNIS COURTS APPROVED, ANZA AIRPORT PARK Mayor Martin announced that the Council will conduct a public hearing and will consider the Environmental Impact Report and application for special permit appertaining to an indoor tennis facility exceeding 35 feet in height and 30% lot coverage, proposed to be constructed by Major Wingfield's Ltd., on lands leased by Anza Pacific Corporation from the State of California. Declaring the hearing open, the Chair recognized Mr. Gerald M. Richards, President, Major Wingfield's Ltd. Mr. Richards advised that the project involves construction of a year-round facility, open to the general public, on a parcel of land 121,670 square feet in area. This is the first development of its kind in San Mateo County. The fee structure will be rather low compared to most private clubs in this area. He stated that, normally, private tennis clubs are operated on the basis of an initial fee, called the initiation fee, ranging from $500.00 to $2500.00 plus monthly dues from $30.00 to $65.00, regardless of playing time of members. Major Wingfield's proposes a member fee averaging about $65.00 annually; fees for court use would vary from $2.00 to $6.00 per hour per court. Someone playing at 7:00 a.m., would pay a lesser fee than someone playing between 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. By charging the reduced fees, it is felt that the facility will attract a broader segment of the public than private courts usually do. Full time nursery care will be available. He stated it would be necessary to set a limit on membership, because it would be unfair to continue to accept applications and fees when there would be no assurance of availability of courts. He advised that 1400 would be their idea of maximum membership and this would be an acceptable condition to approval of the special permit. Mr. Richards stated that the project will cover 55% of the lot where the ordinance specifies 30% and maximum height level will be 38 feet against ordinance maximum of 35 feet. Summarizing details of the Environmental Impact Report, Mr. Richards explained there will be two indoor tennis buildings of 53,000 square feet, clubhouse of 12,000 square feet, parking for 60 cars and 38,000 square feet of landscaping. Beneficial aspects of r. the project were mentioned: "Significant improvement of site aesthetics, the result of landscaping and new building design; increase in property tax revenues to the city; public access to the waterfront." Significant negative impact: "loss of open space totaling 65,000 square feet and resulting loss of vistas to the bay." 109 Mr. Richards stated that the development will be on a site of approximately 2.8 acres; one additional acre has been reserved through lease arrangement with Anza Pacific Corporation to increase the project by addition of three outdoor courts; however, this addition is not a part of the initial plan. Mr. Richards noted there will be the impact of additional traffic in the area. Referring to page 22 of the E.I.R., Mr. Richards stated there could _ be a maximum addition of 544 cars daily. This would require double matches on each court for the full 17 hours of operation and each person driving a separate car. Staff will include 10 to 12 people and there probably will be visitors coming for food service, or, perhaps, to watch the matches. The proposed 60 parking spaces should be more than adequate. In response to Mayor Martin, Mr. Richards confirmed that all figures in the E.I.R. are based on the 2.8 acre site. The location was chosen because of its proximity to Bayside Park and the contemplated golf course. Councilman Mangini asked if a member who moved away from the city would have the right to sell his membership. Mr. Richards explained there would be an average $65.00 membership fee; if someone moved midway through the year, the balance of the fee would be forgiven. In response to Councilman Crosby, Mr. Richards confirmed that spectators will be welcome. In response to Councilman Cusick, he reported that the company is named after Major Wingfield who initiated lawn tennis in England in 1873. Councilman Amstrup asked if the "landscaped area" on Sheet P-1 of the plans will be an open patio. Mr. Richards replied that a patio concept had not been considered; landscaping will be more in the form of plantings around the perimeter of the buildings. Councilman Amstrup explained that the city is attempting to gain as much public access to the bay as possible and perhaps this area could be improved so that people could enjoy the landscaping and bay vista. Mr. Richards stated there is a vegetation problem along the shoreline and it would be necessary to select appropriate plants. However, there will be space to walk around the buildings to this area and perhaps it can be linked with the 25 foot public easement along the bayfront. The City Planner reported that access to the site of this proposed tennis facility will not be over public street but by easement and that, rather than the single long roadway in and out, there should be some loop arrangement to a public easement and then to Airport Boulevard. Mr. David Keyston stated he would attempt to arrange such an easement. Mr. Richards indicated no objection. The City Planner reported further that the fire department has indicated concern about the prospects of a large group in one of the buildings, at tournament time, for example. He asked if the Council would wish to consider a limitation on number of people. Councilman Mangini asked if there would be spectator bleachers. Mr. Richards stated these could be brought in if necessary. He advised that tournaments would not be a normal part of the operation and that more than twice a year would be considered excessive. He agreed with Mayor Martin's recommendation that such events be subject to approval of a special use permit by the Council. There were no comments from the floor in response to the Chair's inquiry. The hearing was declared closed. Councilman Amstrup introduced a motion approving the Draft Environmental Impact Report subject to the following modifications: 1. Installation of a Life Safety package to meet fire department requirements. 2. Anza Pacific Corporation, lessee of the land from the State of California, to arrange for a public easement on the adjacent property to provide egress from the parking area to Airport Boulevard. 3. Operators to file application for special use permit for approval by City Council prior to scheduling tournament play. 4. Maximum membership not to exceed 1500. 5. Landscaped area at the rear of the buildings to be available to the public, conjoined with the 25 foot access easement at the shoreline. The motion was seconded by Councilman Mangini and unanimously carried on roll call. A motion introduced by Councilman Amstrup approving the application for special permit to exceed 30% lot coverage and 35 foot height limitation, subject to the same conditions attached to the Environmental Impact Report, was seconded by Councilman Crosby and unanimously carried. ' 1. RESOLUTION NO. 5-74 "Fixing And Determining Date On Which Wage Adjustments Shall Become Effective" was introduced by Councilman Amstrup, who moved its adoption, second by Councilman Crosby and unanimously carried on roll call. 2. RESOLUTION NO. 6-74 "Amending Resolution No. 84-73 Entitled "Fixing And Establishing Classifications, Salaries And Rates Of Pay Of Employees In The City Service Of The City Of Burlingame',' Adopted November 19, 1973,.. was introduced by Councilman Amstrup, whomovedits adoption, second..by Councilman Cusick and unanimously carried on roll call. 3. RESOLUTION NO. 7-74 "Joint Exercise Of Powers Agreement Between City Of San Mateo And City Of Burlingame To Provide Inter -City Public Transportation" was introduced by Councilman Crosby, who moved its adoption, second by Councilman Mangini and unanimously carried on roll call. Councilman.Amstrup referred to Page 2 of the agreement, sub -paragraph b. "Hours of operation," excepting bus service on Sundays and Holidays. He suggested that Sunday may be the one day that people may depend upon the bus for transportation. The City Planner explained that this was consistent with both Burlingame and San Mateo planning that the bus not run on Sundays or Holidays. Mayor Martin suggested that consideration can be given to Sunday service if patronage during the week appears to justify it. ORDINANCE NO. 1001 "An Ordinance Amending The Municipal Code Of The City Of Burlingame By Adding Subparagraph 60 To Section 13.20.010 And Providing For An Intersection Stop For Vehicles Traveling Easterly On Trousdale Drive And Approaching The Intersection of Magnolia Drive" was introduced for first reading by Councilman Mangini. Councilman Amstrup asked that the Council investigate the possibility of a signal light at this intersection that can be synchronized with the lights at El Camino, in lieu of the stop sign, before the ordinance is adopted. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1974 State Park Bond Act: Councilman Cusick reported that the county is asking each city to submit its list of project priorities and the amount allocated to each project. The cities must use the funds in accordance with their designated priorities; some of the funds will not be available until 1975. Councilman Cusick's suggestion that Burlingame's allotment of $104,786. be allocated to Bayside Park was accepted by the Council. NEW BUSINESS: Police Station Remodeling: Councilman Mangini reported that he, Councilman Amstrup, the City Manager and the Chief of Police met and agreed to ask Mr. Al Kahl to prepare a schematic design on the lot adjacent to the police station. when contacted by the City Manager, Mr. Kahl agreed to do this at no charge. Downtown Parking District Regulations: Acknowledgment was made of a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance prepared by the City Planner and scheduled to be considered by the Planning Commission at its meeting on January 28, 1974. During a period of Council comment, there appeared to be a consensus that the proposed legislation was not what the Council expected as a replacement for the emergency ordinance that expires in March, 1974. The suggestion was made that Sections 25.72.070, 080 and 090 be deleted. The City Attorney was requested to draft a form of ordinance that will be pre- sented to the Planning Commission for its review and recommendation, the III ordinance to cover the basic issues of building height and site coverage limitations within the boundaries of the Burlingame Avenue Area Parking District. Typewriter For Civil Defense Office: Under date of January 17, 1974, the City Manager transmitted a request from John K. Wright, Director, Office of Emergency Services, for permission to purchase a new machine, replacing one _ in poor condition. The City Manager reported there is need for the equipment. His recommendation that a manual typewriter be purchased at an approximate cost of $289.00 was approved by the Council. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Communications: 1. From the City Manager, dated January 16, 1974, reporting that the proposal for possible use of Coolidge School property for off-street parking will be pre- sented to the Burlingame Elementary School Board at its meeting on February 12, 1974. 2,. From the City Planner, dated January 17, 1974, reporting that the Planning Commission viillreview the sign permits granted to Beardsley's Bar & Restaurant and the Penguin Lounge at its regular meeting on January 28, 1974. 3. Progress report from the City Manager, dated January 17, 1974, on acquisition of permanent easement across San Francisco Airport Lands in connection with the Joint Outfall project. 4. Pacific Gas & Electric Company, San Mateo, under date of January 8, 1974, advising that the 1974 allocation for conversion of overhead electric lines to underground in the City of Burlingame has been increased to $58,000.00. 5. Adprint Express, Burlingame, under date of January 7,-1974, protesting construction of proposed parking structure at Burlway Road and Old Bayshore, part of Airport Marina Hotel contemplated expansion. 6. Paul F. Fratessa, associated with Ruthroff & Englekirk, Consulting Structural Engineers, under date of January 8, 1974, requesting that the Environmental Impact Report for Airport Marina Hotel addition be removed from the City Council agenda until further notice. 7. Five letters supporting stop signs on Trousdale Drive. S. R. Bengson, 134 Valdeflores, under date of January 8, 1974, protest on left -turn stacking lanes at Broadway/El Camino Real. 9. Ronald Pelosi, President, San Francisco County Board of Supervisors, under date of January 4, 1974, acknowledging correspondence from the City of Burlingame regarding Environmental Impact Report for proposed expansion of the San Francisco International Airport. 10. Letter from Jean Fassler, Chairman, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, concerning county manager's proposal for "Restructuring of Planning and Transportation Committees." This communication was referred to the February study meeting of the Council. 11. Copy of a communication from Wilma Myhre, President, Burlingame Art Society, to Paul Lechich, City Librarian, expressing appreciation for the use of the Community Room at the Library for the Annual Juried Art Show in November, 1973, and donating $150.00 from the Art Society to the Library for the purchase of new art books. The City Manager was requested to acknowledge the gift to the Library and express the Council's appreciation. 12. Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Report, January 1 through March 31, 1974. Disbursements noted therein were approved on motion of Councilman Mangini, second by Councilman Amstrup and unanimously carried. 13. Recreation Department and Civic Arts Council programs of activities, Spring, 1974. The City Manager was requested to determine costs of the brochures. 14. Minutes: Planning Commission, December 26, 1973, Park & Recreation Commission, January 8, 1974. Reports: Police & Fire Departments, December, 1973. Blingum Inn Teen Club Semi Annual Financial Report, July 1 through December 31, 1973. PROPOSED SAN MATEO COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT: The City Manager was requested to contact S.H. Cantwell, Jr., County Engineer and Road Commissioner, for information on the status of legislation. 112 AB 2119 WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION. PRESUMPTIONS. The City Manager was requested to place the City on record in support of this League of California Cities sponsored measure, which would prevent a safety member who has retired from claiming disability on an ailment that he alleges is job related. APPROVALS: Warrants Nos. 4594 through 5206, in the amount of $192,770.58, duly audited, were approved for payment on motion of Councilman Cusick, second by Councilman Mangini and unanimously carried. Payroll for the month of December, 1973, Checks Nos. 18729 through 19408, J in the amount of $261,652.21, were approved on motion of Councilman Cusick, second by Councilman Mangini and unanimously carried. The meeting was regularly adjourned at 11:40 p.m. APPROVED: Respectfully submitted, Herbert K. White, City Clerk yW Tn