HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1996.02.21441
BI.JRLINGAME, CALIFORNIA
February 2L,1996
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. The meeting was called to order at7:31p.m. by Mayor Harrison.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
kd by John Chiapelone of the Burlingame Garden Center.
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL PRESENT:
COUNCIL ABSENT:
HARRISON, JANNEY, KNIGHT, O'MAHONY, SPINELLI
NONE
MINUTES
The minutes of the Study Meeting of February 3, L996 were approved after a change on page 3 to
show that Councilwoman Knight "inquired if students could be hired at minimum wage to help (with
street cleaning)" and the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 5, 1996 were approved
unanimously.
CEREMONIAL - PROCLAMATION HONORING THE BURLINGAME GARDEN CENTER
Mayor Harrison called John Chiapelone and his son Jim forward and presented a proclamation
honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Burlingame Garden Center which is located in an historic
brick building on Chapin Avenue.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Harrison noted a large number of people in the audience who wanted to speak about BART;
he said those comments would be taken at the time council discussed BART.
Merle Rensch, recently retired fire fighter, said he had worked for the city for 34 years under three
fire chiefs, and he wanted to thank the council and the city for the pleasure of working here.
Charles Voltz, resident, commented on an item on the Consent Calendar regarding prevailing wage
laws; he thought we should not adopt; if we support prevailing wage laws for construction workers
then we should support prevailing wages for other workers too.
REOUEST TO TESTIFY IN WASHINGTON DC BEFORE SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPOR-
TATION REGARDING BART TO THE SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
City Manager stated council received a letter dated January 24 from Frank Wolf, Chairman of the
House of Representatives Subcommittee on Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations,
inquiring if Burlingame wanted to testify again at hearings on February 27,28 and 29 in Washing-
ton, DC. At the last meeting, council asked staff to reserve a place to testify and asked Councilman
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Spinelli, who offered to go to Washington to testify as he did last year, to prepare a draft of his
proposed testimony for council review.
Mayor Harrison reviewed for the audience that two years ago BART notified everyone about its
plan to bring BART to the airport; later they introduced Alternative Six, the Millbrae station; the
city council took a stand against Alternative Six, but does not oppose BART going to the airport;
our position is that the three systems, BART, Caltrain and the airport people mover should meet
west of 101 north of the airport. Councilman Spinelli hoped council sends a member to Washing-
ton, a letter to Washington would not be the same; last year Congress cut the appropriation to
BART and told BART to come up with a plan to address the needs of the Peninsula; he hoped
council would send him back to Washington as he made numerous contacts there last year with
whom he could follow up this year. Councilwoman Knight agreed with Spinelli. Vice Mayor
O'Mahony said BART and Samtrans have already approved Alternative Six; she reviewed the latest
"supplement" to Alternative Six; there would be changes on California Drive and on Rollins Road;
she believed it would bring increased noise, crime and traffic; there is a threat to our bus and train
systems. Councilwoman Janney believed council had selected its spokesman for the year as Mayor
Harrison and she suggested he should be the one to go to Washington; she noted we need to
maintain good relations with the other entities so that we can work for mitigation of this project.
Councilman Spinelli said when council chose Mayor Harrison, Mayor Harrison claimed he was the
most experienced; Councilman Spinelli has the experience in Washington, and he has also attended
BART and Samtrans meetings, he has been in contact with legislators by E-mail and believed he
should be the one to go to Washington. Mayor Harrison said he received 44 calls about BART and
only 6 said they wanted Councilman Spinelli to go, the others did not care who went as long as we
sent someone. Mayor Harrison noted he would be unable to go to Washington because he has a
number of meetings scheduled on the date for testiffing; since Councilman Spinelli is available and
willing to go, Mayor Harrison would support him.
Mayor Harrison asked for comments from the public. Todd Becker, resident, agreed with Vice
Mayor O'Mahony, BART will eliminate Caltrain; Melvin Pincus from Millbrae said he used BART
to go to games in Berkeley and to visit friends in the East Bay, it's much better than driving; Bob
Johnston, said he had circulated a petition for Councilman Spinelli to take to Washington in
opposition to Alternative Six, told of crime statistics around BART stations; Charles Voltz, resident,
said he uses public transpoftation, we must get people out of their cars, the issue should be
mitigation, he is dismayed that Burlingame is opposed to BART. Councilman Spinelli said we are
not opposed to BART, just the Millbrae station, we want to keep train service. Gloria Barton,
resident, wanted to be sure council was going to send Councilman Spinelli to Washington; said
Burlingame has a history of standing alone and taking a stand, and being proven right. Gus
Galindo, approved of sending Councilman Spinelli and opposed to BART. Mary Hunt, resident,
was sorry to hear we would send someone to Washington to oppose BART. Gil Mateucci, resident,
said he had lived in Daly City and BART took over the area, now it's coming here and it will not
go away; the City Attorney should be preparing an injunction. Irv Amstrup, resident, lives on
Trousdale and the traffic is already very heavy, if BART comes it will be worse; related how
council fought BART in L964; BART will take our customers away from Burlingame; if BART
continues down the Peninsula, what will happen to our historic train station. Mike lrnnon,
resident, appreciated council's position; the Peninsula has a train system in place; he recommended
we get a transcript of the proceedings in Washington. Tom Huening, County Supervisor, said
BART is related to the airport expansion; MTC said we should work together and supported
Caltrain and BART; asked that our representative take a positive attitude because we need both
systems; Samtrans would like to work with Burlingame. Mr. Mitchell, resident, related when he
was in high school in San Francisco, kids used to take BART to East Bay stations and steal from
4 4:,
cars in the garages; BART will cause us to need more police officers. Mrs. Terry, resident, public
safety is the issue, worried about our police station being located so close to BART and Millbrae
station. The public comments were closed.
Council members made comments on Councilman Spinelli's draft statement and suggested he should
go to Washington as a messenger from our city with opinion of the council and majority of the
citizens. Councilwoman Janney said most of these people are very passionately against BART but
there are others in favor; she would support Councilman Spinelli's trip but wanted to maintain
bridges with other entities involved. Vice Mayor O'Mahony related some meetings with BART
officials and discussion of the MOU with airport; FAA said funding from airport can only be used
on airport property; related millions of dollars have already been spent on studies. Vice Mayor
O'Mahony moved to send Councilman Spinelli to Washington DC to testify regarding BART.
Seconded by Councilwoman Janney and carried unanimously.
Mayor Harrison called for a recess at 9:06 p.m. The meeting reconvened at9 16 p.m. with all
council members present.
COMMISSIONER TERM EXPIRATIONS - RESIGNATION FROM PARK & RECREATION
COMMISSION
City Manager reviewed his secretary's memo regarding term expirations for two Senior Commission
members, one Planning Commission member and the resignation of Park & Recreation Commission-
er Janet Henderson. He recommended council set Marchz}, 1996 as the deadline for accepting
applications.
Mayor Harrison appointed himself and Vice Mayor O'Mahony to interview for Planning Commis-
sion with the deadline for applications being March 20.
Councilwoman Knight said she and Councilwoman Janney had just interviewed for a vacancy on the
Senior Commission. Both incumbents are interested in being reappointed and the commission has
just begun a major project. She moved to reappoint incumbents Bob Jones and Vic Mangini.
Seconded by Councilwoman Janney and carried unanimously. Councilwoman Knight hoped we
could consider Charles Bolt for a future opening on the Senior Commission.
Councilman Spinelli said he would like to appoint Gary Deatheridge who was just interviewed to
replace Janet Henderson on the Park and Recreation Commission. Both Vice Mayor O'Mahony and
Councilwoman Knight said they would like to see a woman with young children appointed to
broaden the representation on the commission, since Janet was the only female on the commission;
Councilwoman Knight said she could also support Deatheridge. Deadline for applications was set
for March 20. Councilman Spinelli agreed Janet Henderson had been a great commissioner.
REOUESTS FOR DONATIONS TO (1) WINTER SHELTER AND (2) CHICANO/LATINO
PEACE CONFERENCE
City Manager's memo of February 7 recommended council take action. (1) For the past three
years, the city has funded the Winter Shelter at $5,000 per year as part of our community funding.
In L992-93 the city made an additional $2,000 donation based on a special request. (2) The Third
Annual Chicano/Latino Peace Conference will be held at Burlingame High School on May L7 and
18. Council asked that consideration of a contribution to these programs be placed on the agenda.
Any funding would come from the contingency appropriation.
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Vice Mayor O'Mahony moved to donate $2,000 to the Winter Shelter. Seconded by Councilwoman
Janney and carried unanimously.
Councilwoman Janney moved to donate $500 to the Chicano/Latino Peace Conference. Seconded
by Councilwoman Knight and carried unanimously.
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL'S REOUEST FOR A RESOLUTION
REGARDING THE PREVAILING WAGE STANDARD - RESOLUTION 8-96
Mayor Harrison noted that the Building and Construction Trades Council had requested a resolution
in support of the Prevailing Wage Standard. Councilman Spinelli said he would prefer to see the
actual legislation before taking action on this, felt uncomfortable supporting this at the city level.
Other council members said they could support it. Councilwoman Janney moved to adopt RESO-
LUTION 8-96 In Support of the Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage Standard. Seconded by Councilwo-
man Knight and carried unanimously.
AUTHORIZE EMERGENCY REPAIRS FOR MILLS CANYON SLIDE AND STORM DRAIN
FAILI.JRE - CP 9607
Public Works Director reviewed his memo of February 13 which recommended council authorize
staff to proceed with the necessary contracts to provide emergency replacement of the failed storm
drain system, emergency erosion protection and to proceed with design investigation to determine
the extent of slope stabilization work necessary to protect the homes on Toledo Court above the
slide. He noted a contractor got into the area this past week and laid plastic over the slide to
stabilize it. They will reroute the storm drain this surlmer. Vice Mayor O'Mahony wondered
about applying for disaster funding. Vice Mayor O'Mahony moved to approve emergency repairs
for the slide. Seconded by Councilwoman Janney and carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION 9-96 AMENDING AGREEMENT FOR BI.'RLINGAME AVENUE AND BROAD-
WAY STREETSCAPE CONSULTANT
City Planner's memo of February 13 recommended council consider whether to amend the Gates
and Associates contract to add two more steering committee meeting for the Broadway and
Burlingame Avenue groups and add a fee so that the presentations of the final designs for each street
could be at different council meetings based on the time of completion of each area's work.
Vice Mayor O'Mahony was not pleased with the increased costs and the charges for travel expenses
from across the Bay. Councilwoman Knight agreed, she was surprised at how much more this
project is costing than originally projected. Council discussed options with City Planner. Agreed
that the presentations to city council could be combined and that only one more meeting with the
Burlingame Avenue committee be approved at a cost of $850. The workshops could be redesigned
to be expanded steering committee meetings if necessary. Councilman Spinelli so moved.
Seconded by Councilwoman Janney and carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Harrison removed itemB-Z, denial of the claim of Escobosa, and rescheduled for the next
meeting. A letter with additional information was received from Escobosa.
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a INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 1539 AMENDING TIME OF CITY COUNCIL
MEETINGS
City Attorney's memo of February 6 recommended council introduce this ordinance and set
hearing for March 4. At a recent study meeting council expressed an interest in moving the
time of city council meetings from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This ordinance states that the
hour of council meetings shall be as the council determines. With this language, the time
may be changed in the future by a simple motion.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 1540 AMENDING APPLICATION AND INSUR-
ANCE REOUIREMENTS FOR TAXICABS. REOIIIRING IDENTIFYING DECALS. AND
REOUIRING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TESTING FOR DRIVERS
City Attorney's memo of February L2 recommended council introduce this ordinance and set
hearing for March 4. The rapid increase in the number of taxi companies and concerns
about the nature of the competition has caused us to review our present taxi ordinance.
Several years ago we modified the ordinance to be less bureaucratic and to make it easier to
offer taxi services. Unfortunately, the result appears to be many more cabs and sometimes
inappropriate competitive practices. This ordinance will require an annual decal so that
licensed cabs can be readily identified; establish an annual $25 fee for each taxi; increase
insurance requirement to $500,000; and require drug and alcohol testing of drivers.
WARRANTS AND PAYROLL
Finance Director recommended approval of Warrants Number 42032 - 42554, duly audited,
in the amount of $1,256,980.24 and Payroll Checks 83298 - 84039 for the month of January
1996 in the amount of $1,379,072.12.
AUTHORIZE LETTER TO SENATOR KOPP REGARDING THE INEOUITY IN DISTRI-
BUTION OF TRAFFIC FINES
A letter from "Californians for Safer Streets" requesting council send a letter requesting
Sacramento restore to cities their share of the money generated through traffic fines.
e.DENIAL OF CLAIMS: (1) BURLINGAME FORD: (2) removed
City Attorney's memo of February 7 recommended council deny the claim for storm related
tree damage; e-2 (Escobosa) was removed from agenda.
f. DEFER CITY PARTICIPATION IN ABAG GAS PURCHASE POOL
City Manager's memo of February 8 recommended council defer the city's participation in
the ABAG Gas Purchase Pool due to its complex nature and the minor savings.
BURLINGAME AVENUE MERCHANTS REOUEST FOR CONTINUATION OF ADDI-
TIONAL SATURDAY PARKING ENFORCEMENT
b
c
d
Irtter of February 12 from Chamber of Commerce requested council authorize continuing
the Saturday parking enforcement; City Manager recommended approval of six hours of
parking enforcement on Saturdays for the balance of 1995-96 fiscal year.
(,b
44(,
Vice Mayor O'Mahony moved approval of the Consent Calendar excepting E-2. Seconded by
Councilman Spinelli and carried unanimously.
Councilman Spinelli said he would miss the next streetscape meeting, Councilwoman Knight agreed
to attend in his place. Vice Mayor O'Mahony reported on CCAG. Councilwoman Knight reported
on the Transportation Authority meeting and kgislative Committee. Councilwoman Janney had
attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting. Mayor Harrison told of upcoming meetings and the
Convention Bureau.
OLD BUSINESS
Councilman Spinelli asked about enforcement of limited parking at Carmelita and California
NEW BUSINESS
Vice Mayor O'Mahony noted that former Foster City councilman and founder of the Airport
Roundtable Roger Chin will have a retirement party Saturday and asked for a proclamation from the
city to present to him.
Councilwoman Knight got a complaint from a citizen who cannot park his minivan by a height limit
sign at a restaurant; staff suggested perhaps the height limit could only apply during store hours for
Abbey Carpet which originally asked for the sign.
Councilman Spinelli mentioned a Lawrence Livermore study regarding underground tanks; perhaps
the city should send a leffer in support. Mayor Harrison asked this be placed on the next agenda.
Mayor Harrison placed SB 1590 on the next agenda. Mayor Harrison also put the upcoming county
Progress Seminar on the agenda for next meeting.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Commission Minutes: Broadway BID, November 14, 1995; Beautification, Februty L;
Traffic, Safety and Parking, February 8; Planning, February 12, 1996.
Deparffnent Reports: Building, January 1996; Treasurer, January 31, 1996.
ktter from City of Concord regarding the Department of Energy's proposal for shipment of
spent nuclear fuel from other nations through the Bay Area.
Proclamations: (1) Rotary Family & Community Concern Week, February L2-18; (2) Arbor
Day, MarchT,1996.
lrtters from three residents asking for representation in Washington DC at hearings
regarding BART.
f
a.
b
c
d
e
Irtter from Independent Cities Association requesting support in a lawsuit (City of Alhambra
v. Ikemoto).
447
g. Irtter from Rebecca Haseleu in support of a BART station at Millbrae.
CLOSED SESSION
At 10:03 p.m. the Mayor adjourned the meeting to a Closed Session regarding labor negotiations
with the Police Officers Association. The meeting reconvened at 10:20 p.m. with no action being
taken.
ADJOURNMENT IN MEMORY OF SAM SPINELLI AND FORMER GOVERNOR EDMUND G.
,PAT'' BROWN
Mayor Harrison noted with sadness the death of Councilman Spinelli's father Sam Spinelli. Mayor
Harrison also noted the passing of former Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown. After a moment of
silence, the meeting was adjourned in their memory at 10:21 p.m.
Judith A. Malfatti
City Clerk