HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1996.09.16BI,JRLINGAME, CALIFORNIA
September 16,1996
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 at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Harrison.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
l,ed by two former mayors in the audience, Don kmbi and Frank Pagliaro
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL PRESENT
COUNCIL ABSENT:
HARRISON, JANNEY, KNIGHT, O'MAHONY, SPINELLI
NONE
MINUTES
The minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 3, L996 were revised by Councilwoman Knight
on page 2 to note she met with Mary Hunt not la4esin, and by Mayor Harrison to change spelling
of Stile to Stiel; onpage 5 Councilman Spinelli added to the first sentence in paragraph 6 "...to
waive the fee as long as it was donated to that charity." The minutes were unanimously approved
with those changes.
PUBLIC HEARING - SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 1553 - AMENDING ZONING
CODE REGARDING RECONSTRUCTION OF NON-CONFORMING MULTIPLE FAMILY
STRUCTURES
City Attorney reviewed his memo of August 21 which recommended council review the ordinance
as introduced and hold a public hearing. This ordinance will allow reconstruction of non-conform-
ing multifamily buildings which are damaged or destroyed by fire or other catastrophe. State law
was adopted in 1994 which preempts city code and was apparently promoted by apartment owners
concerned that local ordinances would not allow reconstruction'
Mayor Harrison opened the public hearing. There were no comments and the hearing was closed.
Councilman Spinelli moved adoption of ORDINANCE 1553. Seconded by Vice Mayor O'Mahony
and carried unanimously by voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARING - AB 3229 ''CITIZENS OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS)'' FUNDS -
RESOLUTION 77-96
Police Chief reviewed his memo of August 23 which recommended council hold a public hearing
and adopt the resolution approving the request for state COPS funds in the amount of $66,210. The
current state budget has appropriated funds for ensuring public safety at the local level. Cities are
required to use these funds for front line police services. He proposed to use these funds for the
GREAT program, laptop computers in patrol cars, bicycle officer program, video cameras in patrol
36
cars, tactical lights for officers, and officer overtime for the business districts and parks. Vice
Mayor O'Mahony asked about the overtime coverage for Burlingame Avenue and Councilwoman
Ihight remarked that the programs were a good choice.
Mayor Harrison opened the public hearing. There were no comments and the hearing was closed.
Vice Mayor O'Mahony moved approval by adoption of RESOLUTION 77-96. Seconded by
Councilwoman Janney and carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Alice Partenen of Pescadero introduced herself and announced that she is a candidate for the San
Mateo County Harbor District Board. She briefly reviewed her qualifications.
Clarence Cravalho expressed his desire to see the Broadway/l0l Freeway entrance to Burlingame
improved; he hoped after council considers improvements to our two business districts, it would
work with Caltrans on improving that area.
PRESENTATIONS OF THE BURLINGAME AVENUE COMMERCIAL AREA AND BROAD-
WAY COMMERCIAL AREA STREETSCAPE STUDIES
Mayor Harrison commented on improvements in the Howard/California area and commended Joe
Karp and his architect for their beautiful buitding; the crty contracted with a consultant, appointed
committees and has spent $82,000 on this study with which he was not too impressed. There are
probably some good ideas on improving our business districts included; he hoped the study did not
end up in a trash can like our convention center study.
City Planner reviewed her memo of September 10 which recommended council review these studies
and direct staff. In August 1.995 council undertook with merchants, property owners and residents,
two streetscape studies; one for Burlingame Avenue and one for Broadway. Council appointed
steering committees which worked with the consultant, Gates and Associates, to create a design plan
for each of these areas. The plans are intended to serve as a "road map" to coordinate future
improvements in each area. The improvements extend from the facade of buildings within each
commercial area to include street, parking, drainage, curb, gutter and sidewalk as well as improve-
ments for amenities. The Burlingame Avenue Commercial Area study included a parking pricing
study. Council will hear presentations from each chairman tonight.
Frank Pagliaro, chairman of the Burlingame Avenue streetscape committee, discussed recent
downtown improvements in other Peninsula cities; mentioned the consultant, Gates & Associates,
exceeded the work time in their city contract and yet continued to work with the committees, not
many companies which would volunteer their time like that; regarding upgrading lights on Burling-
ame Avenue, city could move the old light standards to parking lots to improve safety for citizens;
need to make the train station the focus of the Avenue; because of high cost, could do the project in
increments, need to prioritize projects; plan to replace sidewalks, lights and trash cans; make new
entrances to the Avenue area from the east and west; financing is the big problem, he suggested
one-third funds come from city, one-third come from new parking fees, and one-third come from
owners/merchants. The committee recommended no free parking meters, increase time on
Burlingame Avenue to two-hour limit and increase meter fees making Burlingame Avenue the most
expensive, with parking lots and side streets having less expensive parking meters. He recommend-
Burlingame City Council 37 September 16, 1996
ed establishing a small financing committee to work out how to charge owners and merchants; he
suggested Sam Malouf, Martin Dreiling and himself as part of the financing committee. He
declared Burlingame has two images, first the tree-lined residential areas and second the two
business districts; if we let our business districts get run-down it would affect property values. He
responded to council questions and comments.
Martin Dreiling, chairman of the Broadway streetscape committee, said the real focus tonight should
be to look at the concept, not the details; decide if this is important thing to do; look at what
neighboring cities are doing and how they are financing such improvements; he noted interest in
making improvements began with a AIA Charette and were supported by Broadway's BID;
Broadway is the entrance to Burlingame, we need to make the street more attractive; need more
diversity in businesses. Councilwoman Knight asked about how a railroad grade separation would
affect any plans for Broadway. It was noted the plans do not preclude a grade separation.
David Gates, consultant from Gates & Associates, explained the drawings posted around the room
and spoke about how the two projects can be broken into increments. Council discussed: thanked
Gates, the two chairmen and the committee members for their efforts; the plans are good basis for
renovation programs, don't want the momentum to die, should proceed now; longer we wait the
harder it will be to do something. Council unanimously concurred on proceeding.
Mayor Harrison directed staff to look at prioritized projects and considering demonstration projects
in areas where work needs to be done; project will need to be done in increments; stated council
would make appointment to a financing committee at next meeting, he asked council members to
bring names and that the committee should be limited to five members including Pagliaro, Dreiling
and Malouf. City Manager noted he did not hear any changes to the master plan; concern is how
we get there, how we pay for it; he noted the city has projects coming up which could be incorpo-
rated into these plans. Mayor Harrison declared he did not want aggregate sidewalks. Councilman
Spinelli told about how another city cleaned sidewalks once a week, we should have regular cleaning
in business areas. Mayor Harrison acknowledged 46 form letters received from citizens in support
of improving Broadway area. Vice Mayor O'Mahony appreciated hearing from these people.
Councilwoman Knight asked about use of the vacant lot at Burlingame and El Camino; she had also
received calls about the condition of street pavement on Broadway, need to repair potholes before
winter. Mayor Harrison called for a brief recess at 8:11p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:15
p.m. with all members present.
REVIEW OF AMUSEMENT PERMITS: (1) TUBEROSE RESTAURANT: (2) MOON Mc-
SHANE,S PUB: (3) TAVERN GRILL
Police Chief reviewed his memo of September 5 which recommended the permit for Tuberose be
granted for nine months, until the next annual review in June 1997 , they have had no calls for
service; the permit for Moon Mcshane's be granted for another 90 day period, they have had nine
calls for police service; and the permit for Tavern Grill be granted for another 90 day period with a
condition that the establishment hire two off-duty Burlingame police to reinforce security, they have
had 25 calls for service.
Mayor Harrison asked if any business representatives were present. Tim Harmon, Tavern Grill,
said they are agreeable to the conditions recommended by police, have already instituted them and
can see an improvement already. They would also like to have special fundraising events. He
September 16,1996 38 Burlingame City Council
responded to council questions. Mayor Harrison suggested Harmon and the City Attorney meet and
work out details for these special events. City Attorney said he would report back to council.
Councilwoman Knight moved approval of the three permits as recommended by the Police Chief.
Seconded by Councilwoman Janney and carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION 78-96 AUTHORIZING AMENDED RECYCLING AGREEMENT. AMENDED
AGREEMENT WITH BFI
Finance Director reviewed his memo of September 10 which recommended council adopt this
resolution amending agreements with BFI to be effective January l, 1997. BFI proposes to change
the garden pickup to a bi-weekly "environmental day" which would be the same day as the recycling
program. Green waste, or garden waste, would be picked up alternate weeks on the same day as
other recycled materials. The regular recycling program which is now weekly would be changed to
biweekly and BFI also proposes to add mixed paper (unk mail) recycling and colored plastics
recycling. He noted that the month-end garbage pickup would be phased out over a three month
period. If this proposal is accepted there would be no increase in rates. If the weekly recycling and
end of month garbage pickups are continued, there would be an increase of 5 percent on residential
rates in 1997. He and Debbie Sergeant, BFI, responded to questions by council.
Councilwoman Knight moved to approve the new and amended agreements with BFI by adoption of
RESOLUTION 78-96. Seconded by Councilwoman Janney and carried unanimously by voice vote.
REMOVAL OF RECYCLING ENCLOSURES IN BURLINGAME AVENUE AREA
Finance Director reviewed his memo of August 16 which recommended removal of the five
recycling enclosures the city installed n t99l-92 in the Burlingame Avenue commercial area.
During the past years, the enclosures have been plagued with rampant dumping of garbage and
contaminants. Since 1991 when the enclosures were installed, BFI has greatly expanded its
commercial recycling efforts and a number of private recyclers have also made arrangements with
merchants, so the need is not as great for the enclosures.
Councilwoman Janney moved approval of removing the recycling enclosures. Seconded by Vice
Mayor O'Mahony and carried unanimously by voice vote.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE 'CLARA CROOK FUND''
At the last meeting, Vice Mayor O'Mahony asked this item be placed on a future agenda for action.
The Clara Crook Fund was established by our community colleges to enhance enrichment programs
for seniors. Vice Mayor O'Mahony moved to donate $500 to the Clara Crook Fund, noting she
would like an report on use of these funds. Seconded by Councilwoman Janney and carried
unanimously.
COMMISSION APPOINTMENT
Vice Mayor O'Mahony said she and Councilman Spinelli interviewed one candidate for the vacancy
on the Traffic Safety Parking Commission. They recommended the application period be extended
to the end of the month. Council concurred.
Burlingame City Council 39 September 16,1996
a
CONSENT CALENDAR
Finance Director responded to a question from Vice Mayor O'Mahony regarding "b" Warrants.
City Planner responded to a question from Councilwoman Ifuight regarding "d" rhe height of the
project at 1755 California Drive which was approved unanimously by the Planning Commission.
INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 1554 AMENDING PARKING LIMITS ON PALOMA
AVENUE NORTH OF BROADWAY
Public Works memo of September 10 recommended council introduce this ordinance and set
hearing for the October 7 meeting. At the request of residents on Paloma, the TSP commis-
sion considered a change in the ordinance designating two hour parking along Paloma north
of Broadway. They recommended the two hour signs be removed but the poles remain in
case the residents change their minds.
b. WARRANTS AND PAYROLL
Finance Director recommended approval of Warrants Number 45621 - 46033, duly audited,
in the amount of $1,293,240.54 and Payroll Checks 88810 - 89577 for the month of August
1996 in the amount of. $1,282,272.97.
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FOR SUPPLEMENTAL PARKING AT THE HYATT
HOTEL. 1333 BAYSHORE HIGHWAY
Pubtic Works memo of September 11 recommended council approve the requested encroach-
ment permit subject to conditions that (1) the final plans be approved by the City Engineer;
(2) construction and use shall not start until such time as the city completes its modifications
to Easton Creek; (3) encroachment shall include Hyatt's landscaping and maintenance of all
lands granted to the city for the future on-ramp; and (4) Hyatt pay for the added costs of
removal of the parking facilities as part of any future on-ramp construction.
d. FINAL CONDOMINIUM MAP FOR TWENTY UNITS AT 1755 CALIFORNIA DRIVE
Public Works memo of September L1 recommended council approve the final map as
recommended by the Planning Commission.
e FINAL CONDOMINIUM MAP FOR THREE UNITS AT 612 PENINSULA
Public Works memo of September 1.1 recommended council approve the final map as
recommended by the Planning Commission.
Vice Mayor O'Mahony moved approval of the Consent Calendar. Seconded by Councilwoman
Janney and carried unanimously.
Vice Mayor O'Mahony reported on the Airport Roundtable meeting she attended for Councilman
Spinelli; she also reported on the CCAG board meeting. Councilwoman Janney told about the
AYSO opening day ceremony which all council members attended; she also attended a joint
c
September 16, 1996 40 Burlingame City Council
convention bureau meeting with the Mayor which included San Francisco, East Bay and Peninsula
bureaus. Councilwoman Knight had attended the JPB meeting, her last youth and families
committee meeting, and the School Liaison Committee meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Harrison set an appeal hearing for the October 7 meeting for a take-out permit for the Smoke
Shop, 1400 Burlingame Avenue.
Councilwoman Knight said she had received a call from a neighbor complaining about noise and
trespassing by young people using the handball courts on Oak Grove adjacent to Chatham Drive.
Staff suggested the caller should talk to police and the school district.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
a. Commission Minutes: Park and Recreation, August 29; Planning, September 9, 1996.
b. Department Reports: Treasurer, August 31, 1996.
c. Letter from Charles Voltz regarding Ordinance 1550 and "taking without just compensation."
d. Thirty-eight form letters from citizens requesting upgrade of the Broadway streetscape area.
Mayor Harrison mentioned that council had received 8 more of these form letters tonight.
e. Letter from Peninsula Rail 2000 asking suppoft of Caltrain modernization and expansion.
f. ktter from Dave Lombardi regarding the poor condition of Parking ht H at Ralston and El
Camino Real. Staff was directed to have the area cleaned.
CLOSED SESSION
At 8:55 p.m. Mayor Harrison adjourned the meeting to a closed session regarding labor negotiations
with Police and Fire Administrators. The meeting reconvened at 9:09 p.m.
FIRE ADMINISTRATORS
Mayor Harrison announced council had unanimously approved a labor agreement with the Police &
Fire Administrators which included 2.5 percent salary increases for each of two years.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was regularly adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Judith A. Malfatti
City Clerk
Burlingame City Council 4t September 16, 1996
a