HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1994.09.21218
CITY OF BURLINGAME
CITY COUNCIL STUDY MEETING
Wednesday, September 21, 1994
City Hall Conference Room A
Mayor Rosalie O'Mahony convened the study session of the Burlingame City Council on the
above date in Conference Room A at 7:30 p.m.
Coulcr PRrsBNt: HeRRlsoN, KNIGHT, O'MegoNy, SlnmLLI
CouNcnAssrN'r: Pecrnno
Srnrr PRrsBxt: ARcyRrs, CoLruRN, EscorrmR, KIRKUp, MowRor
OtnnRs:LmReRy BonRo MeN{seRs
1. REVIEW OF SCHEMATIC DESIGN LIBRARY RECONSTRIICTION
City manager introduced the item noting that the purpose was to review Group 4's proposed
design for the overall building footprint and massing of the reconstructed library. He noted
that Councilman Pagliaro was unable to be here so sent a letter which he distributed to the
council concerning the library design and temporary facility. Councilman Pagliaro was
pleased with the design but noted he would like to continue the feel of the arched windows that
exist in the old wing through the new addition.
Wayne Gehrke of Group 4/Architecture displayed two renderings and pointed out proposed
changes from the work done by previous architect. The major changes are (1) revised ramping
and landscaping in the front; (2) rernoval of the redwood tree which had been struck by
lightning based on the independent arborist's report, proposed replacement with a deciduous
tree which would allow winter light in to the adjacent reading room; (3) proposed in the city
parking lot a loading area as well as electrical transformer and trash area; and (4) a separate
access to the community room so it could be used when the library is closed. He noted that
the architectural team had spent time reviewing Colonel Norberg's original designs for the
building and had incorporated some of these in the proposal. An example are the bullet
windows proposed for the tower area.
Councilman Harrison asked the architect to address the question proposed by Councilman
Pagliaro whether arched windows should be used to connect the building from the new wing to
old. Group 4 felt that the arches on the rnajor wings should be at the second floor level and
that some of Colonel Norberg's original drawings supported the use of square windows in
areas which he did not wish to emphasize. He felt that to add the arches on the single story
connecting wings would be confusing and add undesired emphasis to that structure. He
distributed copies of some of Colonel Norberg's original drawings. David Sturges, also an
architect on the project, noted tliat there was a practical reason for the square windows; the
ceiling height in the new wing is lower than in the old and the height of the arched windows
would extend above the new ceiling height.
After additional discussion, Mayor O'Mahony and Vice Mayor Knight indicated their support
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of the proposal as shown by the architects. Councilman Spinelli and Councilman Harrison
also accepted the architect's rationale. Mayor O'Mahony noted that the architect needed to be
sure that the planter box areas at the front are designed so that they do not create an attractive
nuisance or cause other problems. She also questioned the loading area that has been
proposed. She suggested that an area on the street on Bellevue might be more appropriate to
save the off-street parking for the patrons. The architect indicated this was an area of concern
which needed further review.
Vice Mayor Knight commented that while the arborist report seemed to support replacement of
the redwood tree, we needed to inform the public of the reasons for removal. She noted that a
citizen had suggested that a sign be placed on the tree now indicating the reasons for its
removal. Council supported this idea. Vice Mayor Knight also asked whether the metal doors
in the front of the library could be retained. The architect noted they were looking at ways to
possibly rebuild the doors but reduce their weight and add light by adding some glass. They
also need to be installed and designed to provide for handicap access. They will try to save the
doors or design new ones that look very much the same.
After additional discussion, council concurred with the proposed exterior design of the library
and indicated that the architect should proceed. Councilman Harrison noted that at our next
meeting, we will be discussing library temporary quarters and a number of options would be
reviewed. He said that Councilman Pagliaro suggested using the parking lot adjacent to the
library. Councilman Harrison supported the idea of using a portion of city hall and wanted the
architect to review this option. Vice Mayor Knight voiced her concern about the loss of
parking at the library site and questioned the city hall location with regard to size and a
number of other limitations. Mr. Gehrke stated that it would be diff,rcult to meet the code
requirements at city hall or some other temporary locations. He understands that location is a
very important issue. Councilman Harrison believed location was very important and we
needed to look at the pros and cons of all the alternatives. Mayor O'Mahony asked the
architect to seriously look at the city hall option, noting that similar to remodeling a home, we
may need to suffer for a short duration during the new library's construction. She felt that
location near the current site is very important to seniors and high school students. Mr Gehrke
noted that next month the council would be presented with a number of options and that he
realized that input would be needed before decisions were possible.
2. PROPOSED REVISION TO ANTENNA ORDINANCE
The city attorney noted that this item was about a year old and that our current ordinance
would probably not stand up in court because of its absolute prohibition of one type of antenna
in a specific location; e.g., dish antennas are categorically prohibited on roofs in residential
areas, but television antennas are allowed. He noted that the Hammet and Edison study
concluded that a maximum 7-foot diameter size was needed to provide the necessary reception.
The city attorney reviewed the proposed ordinance which was based on a methodology similar
to our sign permit. In the new ordinance, some antennas would be eligible for counter permits
based on standards placed in the ordinance. Antenna which did not meet these standards can
ask for review; denial is possible based on health, safety, or aesthetic considerations.
Vice Mayor Knight stated that she would like to add noticing requirements for all antennas in
residential neighborhoods but wanted the city to streamline the process in the commercial
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areas. Mayor O'Mahony noted she had reviewed the city planner's comments and discussed
some of them with industry representatives; she felt that some issues such as colors need not be
addressed. The city planner felt that we would possibly be receiving a number of applications
in multi family areas because of businesses competing with cable. Standards for roof-top
antenna in these developments might be useful. Council discussed the desire to keep whatever
procedure simple; and after discussion, directed the city attorney to prepare the proposed
ordinance for introduction.
3. PEMNSULA CORRIDOR JOINT POWERS BOARD OPTION FOR LAND PARCFI S
The city manager discussed the fact that the Joint Powers Board (JPB) has purchase options
from Southern Pacific on two pieces of land in Burlingame and has inquired if the city has
interest in either parcel. One parcel is approximately 1.5 acres north and south of Broadway
which includes a gas station and car wash and parking used by a car dealer. The second parcel
is the old ham antenna outlet on Howard Avenue. The option prices are $350,000 for the
Broadway parcel and $935,000 for the Howard parcel. The JPB has indicated that it may
participate in up to 50 percent of the acquisition cost of property which can be used for grade
separations such as the Broadway property.
Councilman Spinelli said he supported Councilman Pagliaro's idea expressed at our prior
regular meeting concerning the possible control of this right-of-way in limiting future transit
expansions. Mayor O'Mahony felt we should move ahead on trying to address the Broadway
grade separation issue. Councilman Spinelli questioned whether it would be possible to look at
grade separations both at the railroad track and the freeway connection at Broadway at the
same time. The public works director indicated this would be possible under some alterna-
tives; however, we have recently received notification from the state that it has stopped
working on a reconstruction of the Broadway freeway connection because of a change in
priorities of state funding for seisrnic upgrades.
After additional discussion, council indicated that the city manager should notify the JPB that
the city is interested in the Broadway parcel if partial funding from the Transit Authority is
possible, and if we can satisfactorily address the issues of lease revenues from tenants, toxins
from the gas station, as well as relocation rights.
4. COUNCIL COMMENTS
There were no council comments.
5. FROM THE FLOOR
There were no public conlments.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor O'Mahony adjourned the study meeting at 8:32 p.m.
Judith A. Malfatti
City Clerkv