Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1999.02.01BI,JRLINGAME, CALIFORNIA February l,1999 CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Led by John Chiapelone of the Burlingame Garden Center. ROLL CALL COUNCIL PRESENT: COUNCIL ABSENT: GALLIGAN, JANNEY, KNIGHT, O'MAHONY, SPINELLI NONE MINUTES The minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 20, 1999 were unanimously approved 5-0 after a correction by Vice Mayor Knight on page 2 under Public Comments where Jerry Deal said he "..participated in a Charrette in l9&5 1995.' The minutes of the Study Meeting / Goal Session of January 23, 1999 were unanimously approved after changes by Councilman Spinelli on page 1, section 2 " ..the Safeway projec!:andJit.. " and on page 3, section 4, where he commented on the rubberized railroad crossings, he noted the crossings to be installed are actually concrete not rubberized because there is less skidding, that should be clarified in the minutes. There was also a revision by Vice Mayor Knight on page 1 where she discussed the Broadway Streetscape program, she revised the sentence to read " She commented on her fru about the cit)t's abilibt to follow through on the original BroadwayStreetscape plans because ol all the public / merchant questions being raised: that it might be wise to delq spending on this proiect until it can be supported blt the communiryt." APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FOR A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND PARKING VARIANCES FOR SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. 1420 BURLINGAME AVENUE - CONTINUED TO MARCH 15. 1999 Mayor Janney said council had received a letter from the project representative of Saks Fifth Avenue, Inc., requesting postponement of the appeal hearing until March 1 because of the illness of a principal participant, Wayne Hussey, Vice President of Saks, and a letter from Mark Hudak, representing the Karp family in this matter, noting he would not be available March 1 and requesting a meeting date of March 15 or denial of the request to continue. Mark Hudak spoke briefly, noting several property owners are present tonight for the second time for this hearing; noted he would be unable to attend March 1 and requested another date. City Planner said she spoke to Saks representatives today and they would be available on March 15, 1999. Councilwoman O'Mahony moved to continue the public hearing on the appeal to March 15, 1999. Seconded by Councilman Galligan and carried unanimously 5-0. 469 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 Mary Janney. City Attorney noted the Planning Commission has continued the hearing on another project in the same area at t2l2 Donnelly because it has been awaiting council's action on the Saks parking variance; the commission needs direction from council whether to schedule their hearing or wait for additional direction on downtown parking policy from council. Councilwoman O'Mahony said she was going to discuss under new business the need for a new parking study before the next budget year. Other council members noted our parking study is 12 years old and needs to be updated; the study doesn't refer to any given locations and would like it to; would also like cost estimates on providing additional parking at given locations; city may need private partners to add more parking; want to review the parking matters at the joint session with Planning Commission; seems a strong consensus of council that applicants should pay toward parking upgrades; parking should be located near "golden triangle" area; need to be cautious, don't want to overdo parking, have a business downturn, and end up with empty parking spaces; the study needs to select locations based on business environment; have financing options; agreed Planning Commission should go ahead with its hearing, the applicant always has appeal process. PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION ON A DESIGN REVIEW FOR A NEW HOUSE AT 2104 EASTON DRIVE . DENIAL WITHOUT PREJUDICE City Planner reviewed her memo of January 26, 1999 which recommended council hold a public hearing and take action. Larry Morsello, applicant and property owner, requested a design review in order to build a new 3380 SF two-story single family house with an attached two car garage and one uncovered space in the driveway. As proposed, the five bedroom house complies with all zoning code requirements. The design reviewer said the project substantially met the intent of design guidelines. The Planning Commission moved this design review from the consent calendar to the action calendar and held a public hearing and then denied the project, noting residents have complained that two car garages at the front of houses are out of character with neighborhoods; this is a very deep lot which allows for detached garage without undue loss of useable rear yard; incorrect use of Tudor style. She responded to council questions; incorrectuse of Tudor style, thought commission was talking about the typical pitch of roof and architectural features of this style; Planning Commission thought project should be redesigned; would applicants have to pay another Planning fee, not if denied without prejudice: noted the width of the street; asked if we could adopt an ordinance requiring garages at the rear, yes. Mayor Janney opened the public hearing. Larry and Veronica Morsello, applicants, said they understood the design review guidelines, their design should match the neighborhood; felt they had a choice of garages placement with guidelines, but the Planning Commission wanted a detached garage; they wanted attached garage and showed photos of several houses in area with attached garages; the two garage doors are stepped at different setbacks, one at 25 feet and one at 30 feet; concerned that they have to start over and the expenses involved. Tom Bogan, 2108 Easton; Jerry Deal, 1228 Paloma; Stan Clark resident on Easton; Fred Hornblower, 2100 Easton; Bert Bogan, 2108 Easton; Cathy Baylock, 1527 Newlands. Their comments: with a driveway to rear there is large space between houses, with this project there is just 4 or 5 feet tur each side property line; there is a regular pattern of side driveway spaces on this block; ordinance should be based on the house that is there now but is based on what could be built there; people are br:ilding the biggest house allowed; concern about fireplace at the rear and effect on kitchen and bedroom next door; this is the type project Design Review was made to stop; don't want to look like San Francisco with no space between houses; house has a boxey look, almost three times the size of my house; there are too many major changes to neighborhoods, applicants have opportunity to change plans and make more compatible; same type house was built next to her house, lost use of rear yard, not fair; think Planning Commission should February I, 1999 470 Burlingame City Council do Design Review; listen to Planning Commission direction on this project; this applicant did a good job on compliance with some of the guidelines, landscape, lot coverage, setbacks; do not feel fulfills requirements of Tudor style in roof pitch, plate height; this looks like a tract house and is what design review was addressing. Laruy Morsello responded; understand people upset about bigger building; never wanted to upset neighbors; Planning Commission picked the reviewer; trying put together a plan and follow all the rules, now have to start all over. There were no other comments and the hearing was closed. Council discussed: sympathize with applicants, not the first design review project which was appealed; need to make clear that Design Review is first step, then Planning Commission; this is very large project; beautiful deep lot which lends itself to a garage at rear; Design Review came about because of large houses like ones on Vancouver; maybe we can apply the appeal fee toward the new design review fees for this applicant; understand wanting garage close but it creates a very wide, massive house; agreed with Planning Commission comments on this project; if separate garage have benefit of 400 additional square feet; the house next door is much smaller; felt this kind of situation is an example why the Planning Commission should do Design Review; neighborhood is eclectic mix; agreed fee should be applied to new review; try to get away from the "all garage" look of this design; landscaping plan is very good and contributes to the neighborhood; need good communication between Design Review and Planning Commission; over all Design Review is working well, out of over 20 projects only 2 have been appealed to council; attached garuge could be put at the back of house, set well back from the street; there is a similar large house with garage across the street, but it is the only one on the block. Councilwoman O'Mahony said she would not like to see an ordinance to require garages at rear; she moved to deny the project without prejudice; noting to give applicant direction because of the large lot garage could be detached and put at rear or attached to back of house; the pitch of the roof should be steeper; plate lines are too high; also want the appeal fee to be applied to the future design review costs. Seconded by Councilman Spinelli and carried unanimously 5-0 on voice vote. Councilman Galligan said when the application is complete it should be given preference for scheduling on Planning Commission agenda. PUBLIC HEARING - ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 1608 ESTABLISHING STOP SIGN ON CLARICE LANE AT OUESADA WAY Public Works Director reviewed his memo of January 25, L999 which recommended council hold a public hearing and take action. At the last meeting, council introduced this ordinance as recommended by the Traffic Commission. The principal of Burlingame Intermediate School (BIS) requested installation of a stop sign and a crosswalk near the school after a pedestrian accident in which a student was seriously injured. The commission considered this request at its November and December meetings. In addition, council approved crosswalks and crossing guards at this location. He noted that staff is still discussing with the school the exact location of the crosswalk across Quesada; it may be relocated to an area north of what was proposed at the last meeting. Vice Mayor Knight said she talked to the school representatives and more children cross the street to the north across from the parking lot. Council asked if they would have to cross the parking lot driveway; that is a concern. Mayor directed staff to work with the school to determine best location for crosswalk. Mayor Janney opened the public hearing. Joe Diodati, 1730 Quesada, across from the school, commented that there is a real need to manage traffic in the area; parents dropping off children are careless in signaling, confusing and making it unsafe for other drivers; should not be allowed to turn Burlingame City Council 471 February l,1999 left on Quesada to go to Trousdale; need to go around via Clarice; school needs to work with parents The hearing was closed. Vice Mayor Knight moved adoption of ORDINANCE 1608. Seconded by Councilwoman O'Mahony and carried unanimously 5-0 by voice vote. PUBLIC COMMENTS Tom Roberts, 474 Cumberland, San Mateo County Housing employee and representing the San Mateo County Housing Forum, talked about the shortage of affordable housing, especially affordable rental housing; the need to build county wide consensus because the cost of housing was going to continue to go up. He presented a report to council. Cathy Baylock, 1527 Newlands, told about the Burlingame School District's funding deficit; noted the city gives to Convention Bureau, disproportionate to population, if not getting our money's worth could look at alternative; hoped the city would make a donation to the school district for the charitable foundation; not a long-term commitment and would consider partnerships to replace lost programs. She presented papers to council. Ken Castle , l4ll Drake, said he was pleased council was concerned about the architectural heritage of the city but hoped they would also be concerned about the "arboreal" heritage; he was concerned about removal of Magnolia trees on Broadway as part of the improvement plan; he thought there should be a public hearing on this issue. COMMISSIONER TERM EXPIRATIONS City Manager reviewed his memo of January 20, 1999 which recommended council establish March 8, 1999 as the deadline for applications unless council wishes to reappoint the incumbents for the two positions on the Planning Commission and the two positions on the Senior Commission. Councilman Galligan said he talked to Karen Key and she indicated she would not be reapplying for Planning Commission; also Vic Mangini indicated he would retire from Senior Commission. Councilwoman O'Mahony moved to reappoint David Lanwiaga to the Planning Commission Seconded by Vice Mayor Knight and carried unanimously. Council set March 8 as the deadline for applicants to the Planning Commission and Senior Commission. Council asked that previous applicants be asked to reapply. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 1609 TO CLARIFY MEASUREMENT OF DECLINING City Planner reviewed the City Attorney's memo of January 25 which recommended council consider introduction of this ordinance to clarify the method of measurement of the declining height envelope for residential construction. The Planning Commission has reviewed this and recommended adoption. The Mayor asked the City Clerk to read the title of the Ordinance. Councilman Galligan moved to waive further reading of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilwoman O'Mahony and carried unanimously. Vice Mayor Knight moved to introduce ORDINANCE 1609. Seconded by Councilman Galligan and carried unanimously 5-0 on voice vote. February 1,1999 472 Burlingame City Council INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 1610 TO INCREASE CITY COUNCIL SALARIES City Manager reviewed his memo of January 21, 1999 which recommended council consider introduction of an ordinance increasing council member salaries from $400 per month to $500 per month effective November 1999. At the last meeting council discussed this issue. State law allows a 5 percent increase each year since the last increase which would result in a salary of $590 and could take effect after the next election. Based on typical.city employee salary increases since 1991, an increase of council salaries would be $492. He recommended an increase to $500 for simplicity. The total costs of increasing salaries to $500 monthly for the full council would be $7074 per year including PERS. Council discussion ensued: years ago council adopted the policy about no reimbursement for travel within the county; some members use no city benefits because have coverage through job; support increase; attending all meetings, like last Saturday for three hours, in past few days have spent over 7 hours in city related meetings; there are mileage and other expenses in addition to taking time off from work; think it only fair for council to get a reasonable increase. Vice Mayor Knight noted she is opposed, other cities' council members also attend these same outside meetings and they get paid less than our city council; but could understand other council members' position. Other council members noted other cities' council members are reimbursed for cell phones, computers, faxes, etc; puts a strain on personal businesses; in business we keep up with inflation each year, an increase is fair; concern that low pay would keep someone from running, for example what if a council member needed to pay for child care. Councilman Galligan moved to change the increase to $590. Seconded by Councilwoman O'Mahony and carried 4-1 on voice vote, Vice Mayor Knight voting no. The Mayor directed the City Clerk to read the title of the ordinance. Councilman Galligan moved to waive further reading of the ordinance. Seconded by Councilman Spinelli and carried unanimously. Councilman Galligan moved to introduce Ordinance 1610 to raise council salaries. Seconded by Mayor Janney and carried 4-l by voice vote, Vice Mayor Knight voting no. REPORT ON PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION OF DESIGN REVIEW AND EXTENSION OF DESIGN REVIEW TO FIRST FLOOR ADDITIONS City Planner reviewed her memo of January 26, 1999 summarizing the Planning Commission's discussion about extending design review to all first floor additions and new construction of single family houses. She also noted the Planning Commissioners were available for a joint meeting on February 27. Vice Mayor Knight asked about a trigger on minor changes on building plans which could be administrative so projects would not have to go through the entire process again for a change to building plans. Councilwoman O'Mahony said Design Review should be used for anything over 750 SF, not 250 SF as proposed. Councilwoman O'Mahony moved to reschedule the Joint Planning Commission / Council meeting for Saturday, February 27, 1999. Seconded by Councilman Spinelli and carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Janney removed item "e" because of change to the staff report by Public Works. Councilwoman O'Mahony requested removal of item "c" for discussion. Councilman Galligan noted he reviewed the Deferred Compensation plan and the fees charged and was satisfied with disclosure of these fees. Burlingame City Council 473 February 1,1999 a RESOLUTION 6-1999 AUTHORIZING DEFERRED COMPENSATION ADMINIS- TRATION AGREEMENT WITH ICMA Finance Director's memo of January 12, L999 recommended council approve an agreement with ICMA Retirement Corporation and authorize staff to give notice of termination for the deferred compensation program with Washington Mutual Bank. RESOLUTION 7-1999 AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH REDWOOD CITY FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Finance Director's memo of January 2I, 1999 recommended council approve an agreement with Redwood City for expanded "IT" services including administration of our network. Removed: Approving Automatic Aid Agreement for Pre-hospital Emergency Services RESOLUTION 8-1999 APPROVING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH AND THE CITIES OF SAN MATEO AND BURLINGAME FOR LIBRARY SERVICES City Manager's memo of January 19, L999 recommended council approve this five year agreement with results in an increase in payments to Burlingame (213) and San Mateo (1/3) for library services provided to the Town of Hillsborough. Removed: Accepting Completion of the Airport Boulevard Reconstruction Project RESOLUTION 10-1999 AUTHORIZING 1999 REFUSE COLLECTION / RECYCLING RATES Finance Director's merlo of January 8, 1999 recommended council approve a resolution authorizing increasing collection rates for BFI by 1.64 percent for 1999, this is the first rate increase in four years. City Manager's memo of January 2L, 1999 recommended council approve this request from the Thomas Kinkaid Gallery, 1375 Burlingame Avenue, to park a touring art museum trailer on six or seven parking spaces in Lot J on Sunday, February 28. h. REJECT CLAIM OF ROSEMARY SCANLON FOR PERSONAL INJURIES City Attorney's memo of January 26, L999 recommended council reject this claim for personal injuries when the clairnant fell in a construction zone in front of a new house being built at 2ll2 Adeline; the construction company is responsible for tearing up the sidewalk and failing to place barricades or pedestrian access. b c d e f Finance Director's memo of January 20, 1999 recommended council review and approve the February 1,1999 474 Burlingame City Council ('b.SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT FOR AN ART GALLERY TO USE 6-7 PARKING SPACES IN LOT J ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28 i. ADOPT CITY INVESTMENT POLICY FOR-W. Investment Policy for 1999 as required by state law. Councilman Galligan moved approval of the Consent Calendar excepting "c" and "e." Seconded by Councilwoman O'Mahony and carried unanimously 5-0 by voice vote. REMOVED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS RESOLUTION 11-1999 APPROVING AUTOMATIC AID AGREEMENT FOR PRE- HOSPITAL EMERGENCY SERVICES GROUP c Fire Chief's memo of January 20, 1999 recommended council approve an agreement to provide and receive automatic aid with all member agencies of the San Mateo County Pre- Hospital Emergency Services Group to include not just emergency medical calls but also calls for fire responses. Councilwoman O'Mahony asked the Fire Chief to review this agreement and describe how "clusters" would work. She congratulated the Fire Chief who has been a leader through this process. The Fire Chief explained the agreement. Councilwoman O'Mahony moved to approve the Automatic Aid Agreement as requested. Seconded by Councilman Galligan and carried unanimously 5-0 by voice vote. e RESOLUTION 9-1999 ACCEPTING COMPLETION OF THE AIRPORT BOULEVARD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT - CP 9411 Public Works memo of January 27 , 1999 recommended council accept this job as completed by Satterfield and Company in the amount of $457,083.99. Public Works Director explained a revision on the staff report. Councilman Galligan moved approval of the resolution. Seconded by Councilman Spinelli and carried unanimously. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS Councilman Galligan said he had never reported on his attendance at the Burlingame School District's Blue Ribbon Finance Committee meetings which evaluate the school financial crisis because he attends them as a private citizen with expertise and experience from serving on the high school financial crisis committee, noting the city can't do much. Councilwoman O'Mahony reported on the Council of Cities, CMAQ and CCAG meetings. Mayor Janney also attended the CMAQ meeting. Councilwoman Knight suggested council members explain for audience the meaning of all the acronyms; council explained the meaning and functions of CCAG and CMAQ. Councilman Spinelli went to an Emergency Services meeting. OLD BUSINESS Councilman Galligan thanked the City Attorney for getting rid of all the boats stored under the Eucalyptus trees by the train tracks. Councilwoman O'Mahony commented on a Boutique & Villager article published during the planning process about Broadway Streetscape. Burlingame City Council 475 February L,1999 NEW BUSINESS Councilman Galligan asked that flowers be sent to the Parking Meter Worker recently injured in a traffic accident. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Commission Minutes: Beautification, January 7; Traffic, Safety and Parking, January 14; Senior, January 21; Planning, January 25, 1999. The mayor said she would discuss Sister Cities with the City Manager. Letters from Pat Watkins, Marlene Juscen-Long, Darlene Keyer, Su-Fen Sung and Nadja Brietenstein regarding the Broadway Streetscape Plan and proposed removal of all Magnolias. Letter from SamTrans regarding a change in Bus Route 78 Letter from Linda Imber objecting to the Alarm Permit fee. Public Works memo regarding reassignment of contract to Shaw Pipeline for the Barroilhet Water Main Project. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was regularly adjourned at 9:22 p.m. Judith A. Malfatti City Clerk a b c d. e. f February 1,1999 476 Burlingame City Council Memo from Xiao Hua Quan from the Consulate General of China in San Francisco regarding desire to establish Sister City relations between Burlingame and Langfang City in China.