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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 2018.05.21 Burlingame City Council May 21, 2018 Approved Minutes 1 BURLINGAME CITY COUNCIL Approved Minutes Regular Meeting on May 21, 2018 1. CALL TO ORDER A duly noticed regular meeting of the Burlingame City Council was held on the above date in the City Hall Council Chambers. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG The pledge of allegiance was led by Charles Dila Veloso. 3. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Beach, Brownrigg, Colson*, Keighran MEMBERS ABSENT: Ortiz *Arrived after roll call at 8:07p.m. 4. CLOSED SESSION There was no closed session. 5. UPCOMING EVENTS Mayor Brownrigg reviewed the upcoming events taking place in the City. 6. PRESENTATIONS a. COMMENDATION FOR CHARLES DILA VELOSO Police Chief Wollman along with Deputy Fire Chief Flinders presented a commendation honoring Charles Dila Veloso. Mr. Veloso came to the aid of a Burlingame resident who was in need of medical help. He called 911 and stayed with the resident until help arrived. Police Chief Wollman praised him for his attentiveness, quick actions, and willingness to help. Mayor Brownrigg thanked Mr. Veloso for his kindness and heroic actions. Burlingame City Council May 21, 2018 Approved Minutes 2 b. GET US MOVING PRESENTATION Councilmember Keighran recused herself because of her work for Supervisor Canepa on this matter. Jessica Epstein from SamTrans introduced the Get Us Moving presentation. She stated that Get Us Moving (“GUM”) is a collaboration between the San Mateo County Transit District, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, cities, agencies, and stakeholders. She explained GUM’s goals are to: • Increase community awareness about current transportation conditions, programs, and solutions; • Help prioritize transportation funding needs in the county; • Develop an understanding of community opinions about transportation priorities; and • Inform decisions about future transportation revenue opportunities and expenditures. Ms. Epstein explained that GUM is looking to put a tax measure on the November 2018 ballot in order to fund transportation projects throughout the county. She stated that GUM conducted extensive outreach in order to obtain feedback from the community on how to prioritize transportation needs in the county. GUM’s outreach included: mailing surveys, conducting town halls, delivering presentations to City Councils, stakeholder and technical advisory groups, social media, and conducting polls. Ms. Epstein discussed the results of the survey. She stated that the community’s top priorities were: highway and local traffic congestion, potholes, and transit mobility. She noted that GUM reached out to the cities that were not participating as actively in the survey in order to keep the numbers balanced throughout the county. Ms. Epstein stated that GUM performed two rounds of polling in San Mateo County asking likely voters if they would support a 30-year half-cent sales tax. In between the two rounds of polling, GUM performed extensive voter outreach discussing the county’s transportation issues and how this tax could fund improvements. During the second round of polling, the results showed that the tax measure was likely to pass with 71% supporting a tax increase for transportation solutions. Ms. Epstein explained that the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and the San Mateo County Transit District Board approved moving on to Phase 2, which will focus on developing an investment plan to guide how potential tax revenues will be spent. She asked residents to go to www.getusmovingsmc.com and take the budget challenge. She explained that the budget challenge is an online budget tool where individuals get to allocate the $2.4 billion generated based on their own priorities. Councilmember Beach thanked Ms. Epstein for her presentation and for GUM’s town hall last week in Burlingame. She asked if she was correct that online responses to the budget challenge would be accepted until May 31, 2018. Ms. Epstein responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Beach asked how budget responses from the town halls would be counted. Ms. Epstein replied that the responses and comments from each town hall meeting are written up and included with online responses. Burlingame City Council May 21, 2018 Approved Minutes 3 Councilmember Beach asked when the draft expenditure plan would be discussed and whether the community would be able to attend or watch the meeting. Ms. Epstein stated that the draft expenditure plan would be discussed at the Transit District’s meeting on June 6, 2018. She noted that a date had not been set for when the plan would be presented to the Board of Supervisors. Mayor Brownrigg asked if the measure passed, who would decide year-to-year how the funds are spent. Ms. Epstein explained that between 40-60% of the budget would go to SamTrans to keep up with public transit growth expenses. The remaining funds would likely be administered by the Transportation Authority and awarded through a competitive grants program. Councilmember Beach stated that the SamTrans Board of Directors and San Mateo County Board of Supervisors are the decision-makers for the final expenditure plan. Ms. Epstein responded in the affirmative. She added that the Transit Board will place the measure on the ballot with the concurrence of the Board of Supervisors. Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke. Councilmember Beach stated that she hoped that the decision-makers at SamTrans and the Board of Supervisors look at the community’s response that the main issues are traffic and congestion. She explained that traffic experts need to come up with solutions that address the root problem and look at creative solutions. Mayor Brownrigg spoke about the Broadway grade crossing and how it is now the most dangerous grade crossing in the State. He explained that the Council worked with the community to agree on a grade separation design. He noted that grade separation is not something that the City can afford on its own. Instead, he explained that while the crossing is located in Burlingame, it adds to the traffic congestion throughout the county. Therefore, he wanted to see the Broadway crossing treated as a County/State issue. DPW Murtuza added that the City’s concern was that grade separation should be its own category for funding under the proposed measure. He explained that without this category existing, it would be difficult for the City to compete against others for general congestion grants. Ms. Epstein replied in the affirmative and stated that hopefully by obtaining a local grant the City would then be able to compete for federal and state grants. Councilmember Beach discussed the 42 at-grade crossings on the Peninsula. She explained that the only way the County will fully realize the benefits of Caltrain electrification is if grade separations happen at these crossings. Therefore, if no money is explicitly designated for grade separations, then the local jurisdictions lose hope on how they can begin funding these projects. However, if grade separation becomes a category for local funding, the local jurisdictions are able to compete for state and federal grants. Mayor Brownrigg asked what the Board of Supervisors’ responsibility in terms of year-to-year funding would be if the measure passed. Ms. Epstein stated that she would get back to Council with an answer to this question. Burlingame City Council May 21, 2018 Approved Minutes 4 c. SB 450 “VOTER’S CHOICE ACT” PRESENTATION San Mateo County Elections representative Jim Irizarry explained that SB 450 became effective January 1, 2018, and allows San Mateo County to conduct all elections as vote-by-mail elections. He stated that the purpose of the bill was to increase voter participation by sending each registered voter a ballot, while still providing voters the option to vote in person at a voting center. Mr. Irizarry highlighted some of the features of the new legislation and how it would affect the June 5, 2018 Election. He explained that for the June Election, the County would have voting centers throughout the county instead of polling places. The difference between a voting center and a polling place is that any registered San Mateo County voter can vote at a voting center, while only individuals within a specified precinct can vote at a particular polling place. Burlingame’s voting center will be at City Hall, Conference Room A, and it will be open beginning June 2. The voting center will be open June 2-4 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will be open June 5 (Election Day) from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mr. Irizarry next discussed conditional voting. Conditional voting allows residents who did not register to vote by May 21, 2018, the ability to vote in the June election. Individuals can register at any voting center in the County by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. The individual will be given a provisional ballot, and once their voter registration has been verified, their ballot will be counted. Mr. Irizarry noted that for those voters who choose to vote by mail, the Elections Officer has a digital “I voted” sticker for them to add to their social media and e-mail accounts. Councilmember Keighran asked how long it takes to verify a conditional voter registration. Mr. Irizarry discussed the state’s voter registration database that connects to other state offices in order to quickly verify voter registrations. He noted that this process would be done at the Elections Office and not at the voting centers. Councilmember Beach asked if she was correct that Burlingame residents had the following ways to vote: drop off their ballot at the Library or City Hall; put their ballot in the mail; or visit a voting center to vote in person. Mr. Irizarry replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Beach asked the City Clerk to share this information on the City’s website and in the e- newsletter. City Clerk Hassel-Shearer replied in the affirmative. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT There were no public comments. 8. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Brownrigg asked the Councilmembers and the public if they wished to remove any item from the Consent Calendar. Mayor Brownrigg pulled item 8c, and Vice Mayor Colson pulled item 8d. Burlingame City Council May 21, 2018 Approved Minutes 5 Councilmember Beach made a motion to adopt 8a, 8b, and 8e; seconded by Councilmember Keighran. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 4-0-1 (Ortiz was absent). a. ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 16, 2018 City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt the City Council Meeting Minutes of April 16, 2018. b. ADOPTION OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MAY 7, 2018 City Clerk Hassel-Shearer requested Council adopt the City Council Meeting Minutes of May 7, 2018. c. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF A FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH VEOLIA WEST OPERATING SERVICES FOR THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT FACILITY Mayor Brownrigg stated that he had pulled this item to highlight the fact that this program has been and is very valuable to the City and the residents. He explained that compared to other jurisdictions, the City is very efficient in the amount of wastewater it processes and the amount of employees needed. Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke. Mayor Brownrigg stated that as the City begins talking about sea level rise, Council will need to keep in mind the sewage plant. Mayor Brownrigg noted that the staff report foresees large investments being made into the program in the coming years. He explained that on page 12 of the staff report, the investment goes from $700,000 to over $1 million. He asked if this was incorporated into the sewer rate structure, or will it be necessary to increase the sewer rates. DPW Murtuza explained that a few years ago, staff reviewed their facility and created a master plan. He stated that for the next five years, the staff will take on minor improvement projects. However, after the five-year mark is when the majority of the work will be done. He noted that the last sewer rate increase was over five years ago. He stated that staff will review the sewer rates to see if adjustments need to be made. Councilmember Beach asked if a rate adjustment would be necessary in five years, when staff is targeting the majority of the necessary improvements. DPW Murtuza replied in the affirmative. Mayor Brownrigg made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 64-2018; seconded by Vice Mayor Colson. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 4-0-1 (Ortiz was absent). Burlingame City Council May 21, 2018 Approved Minutes 6 d. ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION AWARDING A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO GOLDEN BAY CONSTRUCTION INC., FOR THE 2018 SIDEWALK REPAIR PROGRAM, CITY PROJECT NO. 85250, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT Vice Mayor Colson expressed concern about the condition of some of the newer sidewalks. She asked if the same contractor was doing all of the sidewalk repairs. Additionally she asked what the City does if a sidewalk needs additional repairs after a year or two. DPW Murtuza explained that sidewalk repair contracts are awarded to the lowest responsive bidder, which often results in the same company having multiple jobs throughout the city. He noted that the City has a one-year warranty on any work. After the warranty expires, the cost of repairs becomes the City’s responsibility. Vice Mayor Colson asked that staff review the sidewalks near Ray Park. She asked how residents can notify the City of issues. DPW Murtuza stated that residents can report any incidents they see through email or accessBurlingame. He added that he will ask staff to continue to look out for any issues with concrete, post- inspection. Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke. Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 65-2018; seconded by Councilmember Keighran. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 4-0-1 (Ortiz was absent). e. ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF FINANCE DIRECTOR/TREASURER AND DESIGNATING CERTAIN EMPLOYEES AS OFFICIAL SIGNATORIES ON CITY BANKING AND INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS Finance Director Augustine requested Council adopt Resolution Number 66-2018 and Resolution Number 67-2018. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. PUBLIC HEARING TO RENEW THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR THE DOWNTOWN BURLINGAME AVENUE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018-19 DPW Murtuza requested Council adopt Resolution Number 68-2018. DPW Murtuza introduced the item and gave background information on the annual assessment. He explained there have been no changes to the assessment from last year. Councilmember Keighran asked if there were any protests. DPW Murtuza replied in the negative. Mayor Brownrigg opened the public hearing. No one spoke. Burlingame City Council May 21, 2018 Approved Minutes 7 Councilmember Keighran made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 68-2018; seconded by Councilmember Beach. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 4-0-1 (Ortiz was absent). 10. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS a. TOPGOLF UPDATE AND ADOPTION OF A RSOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATION AGREEMENT WITH TOPGOLF FOR THE USE OF GOLF CENTER PROPERTY Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad explained that in July 2017, the Council and Topgolf approved a term sheet for the project. She stated that there has been progress on the project as Topgolf and the City finalized an access agreement, and Topgolf completed their borings. She explained that staff expects to receive the lab results from the borings by the end of the month. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad explained that Topgolf has engaged an environmental consultant to complete Phases 1 and 2 of the environmental site assessment. She stated that Phase 1 is underway and should be done by the end of the month. After that, staff will know the scope of Phase 2 and how long it will take. Parks and Recreation Director Glomstad stated that Topgolf’s goal is to have everything submitted for commercial design review in July 2018. She added that staff has monthly calls with Topgolf in order to obtain updates. City Attorney Kane noted that the City has to maintain the independence of environmental and planning reviews for this project. Therefore, although there were initial discussions about the conceptual framework of the project, it is not something that the Council or Topgolf is going to commit to until the project is vetted through the public process. City Attorney Kane stated that before the Council for approval was an exclusive negotiating agreement (“ENA”). She explained that an ENA governs the relationship of the parties while the project goes through the necessary processes. She stated that under the ENA, neither party is bound into any final decision until after the public vetting has occurred. Councilmember Keighran asked when the Council would be discussing how the community benefit fee would be spent. City Attorney Kane stated that the Council should wait until more of the environmental work has been done to find out what the impacts and potential mitigations are for the project. Vice Mayor Colson asked if there was a timeframe on when Topgolf will open. City Attorney Kane stated that Topgolf’s goal was to get the project through the planning process by December 31, 2018. Vice Mayor Colson asked how long construction would take. Topgolf representative Steve Emsley stated that the company was viewing Burlingame as a flagship location and estimated that it would take 12-18 months. Mayor Brownrigg opened the item up for public comment. No one spoke. Burlingame City Council May 21, 2018 Approved Minutes 8 Councilmember Beach thanked staff for their hard work. She explained that the City is working on a transportation demand management plan with parameters for reducing the need for single occupancy vehicles. She discussed the traffic issues that would arise in the Bayfront. She stated that she wanted to see Topgolf and the City collaborate on creative solutions to this problem. She asked that staff review how other cities were solving traffic congestion issues. Vice Mayor Colson made a motion to adopt Resolution Number 69-2018; seconded by Councilmember Keighran. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote, 4-0-1 (Ortiz was absent). 11. COUNCIL COMMITTEE AND ACTIVITIES REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS a. VICE MAYOR COLSON’S COMMITTEE REPORT b. COUNCILMEMBER BEACH’S COMMITTEE REPORT 12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Brownrigg discussed Burlingame Neighborhood Network’s request for funding for 20 emergency caches to be placed strategically around the city. Council agreed to agendize this item. 13. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The agendas, packets, and meeting minutes for the Planning Commission, Traffic, Parking & Safety Commission, Beautification Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Library Board of Trustees are available online at www.burlingame.org. 14. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Brownrigg adjourned meeting at 8:47p.m. in memory of Robert Roby. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Meaghan Hassel-Shearer City Clerk