HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 1999.08.02BT]RLINGAME, CALIFORNIA
August 2,1999
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 Mary Janney.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
lrd by Kurt Edwards, Recreation Coordinator.
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL PRESENT
COUNCIL ABSENT:
JANNEY, KNIGHT, O'MAHONY, SPINELLI
GALLIGAN
MINUTES
The minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 6, 1999, were unanimously approved 4-0-1, Councilman
Galligan absent.
PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FOR A HILLSIDE
AREA CONSTRUCTION PERMIT AND SIDE SETBACK VARIANCE FOR A FIRST AND
SECOND STORY ADDITION AT 2228 DAVIS DRIVE - RESOLUTION 76-1999 APPROVING
WITH CONDITIONS
City Planner reviewed her memo of July 28, 1999, which recommended council hold a public hearing
and take action. The property owners, Paul and Suzanne Vagadori, represented by architect Dale
Meyer, are requesting to make a first and second story addition to enlarge a single family dwelling
from three to four bedrooms. The existing house has a single car garage and 2,210 SF of floor area.
The proposed addition has a 276 SF addition on the first floor and a 1,125 SF second floor bringing
the total to 3,544 SF with an FAR of .46 (.46 is the maximum allowed). There is a 168 SF new front
porch, 100 SF of which is exempt from FAR and not included in the total FAR. The addition will
result in a four bedroom house with one covered parking space attached to the house and one
uncovered space in the driveway. This project was reviewed a number of times by a Design Reviewer
who recommended it to the commission. The commission voted to deny the project at its June 29
meeting; the primary concern was the plate height on the second floor, maximum FAR, and the
porch. The applicant appealed to council. City Planner noted there was an error in the conditions
listed in the staff report and presented a corrected list of conditions; she responded to council
questions about the applicant not installing story poles.
Mayor Janney opened the public hearing. Dale Meyer, architect representing the owners, said the
story poles were not installed because all the contractors w:re too busy and unable to take the time for
such installation, it would be difficult to install and expensive; he showed a scale model of the
proposed project and photo montages of the existing neighborhood with the project superimposed on
it; noted the window in rear bedroom number three would be a six foot window instead of two
smaller separated windows; discussed the front porch proposed and comparison with other porches in
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area; discussed lowering plate line and using coffered ceiling on second floor but would lose attic
storage area; the 9' plate line on the second floor is desired by the owners to match the plate line on
first floor; project is within maximum height limit; design reviewer said the project substantially
meets design review guidelines; he requested approval and responded to council questions; council
noted there appears to be no opposition to the project; this project appears higher than the two story
house next door, it is 4 inches higher because of change of grade. Suzanne Vagadori, applicant,
spoke about difficulties encountered with design review process, not asking for anything outside of
what code allows, she requested approval. There were no other comments and the hearing was
closed.
Vice Mayor Knight noted there is no opposition from neighbors, with the school located at rear there
is no impact for a neighbor to the rear; scale model helped; sorry for the delays, she could approve.
Councilwoman O'Mahony had some concern about bulk and plate line; ended up with a good project;
noted Planning Commission has to make decisions within rules where the city council has some
discretion. Councilman Spinelli was also concerned about the bulk of project; the scale model helps;
design review was to get rid of bulky houses; could support project. Mayor Janney said she supports
the design review process but this applicant had some problems; she could also approve project.
Councilman Spinelli moved to overturn the decision of the Planning Commission and approve the
proposed project as being consistent with the design guidelines for the reasons stated and with
conditions presented and adding the change to the rear window to one six foot window in bedroom
three. Seconded by Councilwoman O'Mahony and carried 4-0-'1., Councilman Galligan absent.
PUBLIC HEARING - ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 1616 ESTABLISHING 1999-2OOO WATER
RATES
Asst. City Manager reviewed the memo of June 24, L999, which recommended council introduce this
ordinance to increase water rates 12.4 percent. The proposed increase is caused by a 35 percent
increase in the cost of water purchased from the San Francisco Water Department. Two specific
actions were taken to mitigate this increase. First, council approved a loan of $1 million to the Water
Fund for funding a portion of the city's water improvements; and second, the public works director
recommended a reduction of $472,000 in the annual capital improvements transfer from the water
fund to water capital improvement based on the expected cash flow requirements for the capital
program. Effective September t, 1999, the residential water rate will increase from $2.02 to $2.27
per 1000 gallons of water consumed and an increase in the fixed charge. All property owners and
tenants who pay water bills were notified of the rate increase 45 days before the hearing. Burlingame
continues to enjoy lower rates than adjoining commuirities. Councilwoman O'Mahony noted
Burlingame has one of the lowest rates compared to adjacent cities.
Mayor Janney opened the public hearing" R.R. Miller, 1105 Dufferin, stated the sewer bill should
never be higher than the water rate, he has complained about this for six years. There were no other
cornments and the hearing was closed.
Councilwoman O'Mahony moved to adopt ORDINANCE 1616 Establishing Water Rates. Seconded
by Councilman Spinelli and carried 4-0-1 by voice vote, Councilman Galligan absent.
Burlingame City Council s63 August 2,1999
PUBLIC HEARING - ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 1617 ESTABLISHING 1999-2OOO SEWER
RATES
Asst. City Manager reviewed the memo of June 24, 1999, which recommended council introduce this
ordinance to increase sewer rates. Proposed rates for single family increase 4.6 percent to $2.51.
The new rates will be effective September l, L999. These new rates will raise revenue equal to the
cost of operations of wastewater treatment facilities, less depreciation.
The mayor opened the public hearing. There were no comments and the hearing was closed.
Councilwoman O'Mahony moved to adopt ORDINANCE 16t7 Establishing Sewer Rates. Seconded
by Vice Mayor Knight and carried 4-0-1 by voice vote, Councilman Galligan absent.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Michael Barber, 1316 Palm, commented on residential paiking problems and need for council to look
at neighborhood on-street parking permit process; noted downtown parking meter rates are too low;
waste disposal concerns and use and availability of smaller garbage cans; and the need to suppoft a
bicycle pedestrian coordinator for Caltrans District 4.
Stella Thompson, 1253 Paloma, complained that she and her family all got tickets for parking
overnight on the street, she thought it unfair; the Mayor asked her to call the Police Chief. Howard
Page, 111 Central, noted that some laws are enforced more than others.
Sam Malouf, Burlingame Avenue merchant, supported the request for tree lighting as part of the
Streetscape projects; he thought that such outlets were to be part of the original project.
Todd Chase, police officer, spoke about the PFRN program for young teens, possibility of doing
something in August or over the holidays for kids. Jeff Kim, fire fighter, appreciated the support of
police, fire and recreation personnel with this program. Kurt Edwards, recreation coordinator, also
commented and thanked council for its support. Councilman Spinelli noted the great spirit of
volunteerism shown among these city employees, they were all commended for their dedication to the
young people of our city.
ALLOCATION FOR POLICE. FIRE. RECREATION NIGHT - LETTER FROM COUNCILMAN
GALLIGAN
Mayor Janney acknowledged a letter from Councilmarr Gaiiigan about support for teen programs and
a teen center. Parks & Recreation Director reviewed his memo of July 29, 1999, which recommend-
ed council consider allocation of $2,000 from reserve funds to the Recreation Division to support a
special event for 1999 PFRN participants in August 1999 " This is the second year of a successful
recreation program offered to intermediate schooi youngsters at BIS on Friday evenings. This
program ended July 30, 1999. Volunteers from the Police and Fire Departments provide much of the
staff for the six week program. Police, Fire and Recreation staff have discussed scheduling a special
trip for PFRN participants during August and subsidizing the trip with the proposed $2,000 allocation"
The young people currently participating in PFRN could be invited to participate in this trip. If
council wishes to support this August trip it is hoped that Police and Fire personnel will be available
to participate in the trip.
August 2,1999 5b4 Burlingame City Council
Council commented on the spirit of volunteerism amongst the staff, wonderful to see they care for our
kids; discussed options, trips that can be made with these funds; let the volunteers decide how and
when to use the funds or leave for "seed" money for program next year.
Councilwoman O'Mahony moved to allocate $2000 for additional PFRN program. Seconded by
Councilman Spinelli and carried 4-0-1, Councilman Galligan absent. Mayor Janney noted the issue of
additional funds for a teen center brought forward in Councilman Galligan's letter; she would join
him in requesting this be brought to a future meeting.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION OPPOSING BALLQT MEASURE TO INCREASE SALES TAX TO
EXTEND BART TO MENLO PARK
City Manager reviewed his memo of July 27 , 1999, which recommended council consider whether it
wants to take action similar to other cities opposing the ballot measure for BART to Menlo Park. The
newspapers repoft that the initiative has been dropped. Vice Mayor Knight said she would be happy
to support such a resolution. Councilman Spinelli agreed we should go on record in opposition to the
proposal. Councilwoman O'Mahony discussed some rewording of the proposed resolution. Mayor
Janney thought it was unnecessary to oppose something that has been dropped. City Attorney said he
would prepare a draft resolution for the next meeting.
PROPOSED TREE PLANTING PROGRAM FOR CALIFORNIA DRIVE
Parks & Recreation Director reviewed his memo of July 28,1999, which recommended council approve
the concept of a program to plant trees on the west side of California Drive between Broadway and
Bellevue at a cost not to exceed $60,000 and direct staff to return to council with a specific budget and
plan for the program; noted funds from BART will be used for this program. Vice Mayor Knight asked
where council could see the "Aristocrat Pear" tree being suggested for planting. Director responded
these trees are being planted at the new CTA building on Murchison. Councilman Spinelli said he would
excuse himself from this discussion because his business is located on Califomia Drive.
Councilwoman O'Mahony moved to direct staff to return to council with a specific plan and budget for
planting trees along California. Seconded by Vice Mayor Knight and carried 3-0-1-1, Councilman
Galligan absent and Councilman Spinelli absta.ining.
REOUEST FOR TREE LIGHTING IN THE STREETSCAPE PROGRAMS
Public Works Director reviewed the memo of July 1.6,1999, which recommended council review and
give direction on whether to include tree lighting in the Streetscape Improvements projects for Broadway
and Burlingame Avenue. The Broadway Business Improvement District (BID) has requested the city
install electrical connections for tree lighcing along Broadway as part of the Broadway Streetscape
project and pay for the cost of the power to light the trees. The BID would pay for installation and
maintenance of the low voltage tree lights which would be attached to the branches of each new tree.
Councilman Spinelti said he recalled the Burlingame Avenue streetscape group specifically asking to have
tree lighting included the program. Councilwoman O'Mahony also expressed desire for lighting of trees
on Broadway. City Manager noted Burlingame Avenue merchants put lighting in the trees at entrances to
Burlingame Avenue in the past and withdrew it after a couple of years because of vandalism and expense.
Councilman Spinelli asked about possibly recouping expenses by raising business license fee. Vice Mayor
Knight wished Burlingame Avenue had a BID like Brr:a.dway to help pay for this type project. Public
Burlingame City Council 505 August 2,1999
Works Director said if directed to proceed, conduit would be installed for lighting trees as the streetscape
plan progresses in these business areas.
Councilwoman O'Mahony moved to approve the concept of extending electrical connections to the trees
in the Broadway and Burlingame Avenue Streetscape projects. Seconded by Councilman Spinelli and
carried 4-0-1, Councilman Galligan absent.
STATUS REPORT ON THE BURLINGAME AOUATIC CENTER
City Manager reviewed his memo of July 27,1999, which informed council the High School District is
out to bid on the expanded swimming pool project. Bids are Cue August24 andthe School District
Board is scheduled to meet on August 26 to consider the bids and possible award. Assuming the bidding
process and meetings with the donor are successful, we will need a special City Council meeting on
August 26 at 5 p.m. to consider revisions to the project prior to the School District Board action. Parks
and Recreation Director said the school district had some concerns about security of this project and
people wandering around the campus during school hours. Superintendent Tom Mohr was present and
commented on the successful meetings organized by the Recreation staff with city and school represen-
tatives and the donor; said they are trying to move this project along as quickly as possible, looking at
completion by February or March. Mayor Janney noted this would be a landmark facility for the benefit
of both the school and the city. City Manager asked council to mark their calendar for a special meeting
on August 26,1999.
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager noted that a revised budget amendment attachment had been presented to council for
item "e." Councilman Spinelli called attention to item "j" regarding a $500,000 donation from the
Marshall Trust to the Library; he thanked the Marshall family.
RESOLUTION 77-1999 APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
and RESOLUTION 78-1999 APPROVING AGREEMENT WITH THE CONFLICT
RESOLUTION CENTER
City Manager's memo of July 16, 1999, recommended council approve two resolutions to
approve agreements for 1999-2000 with the Chamber of Commerce for a contract amount of
$24,820 and with the Conflict Resolution Center for a contract amount of $12,585.
RESOLUTION 79-1999 ACCEPTING COMPLETION OF THE ROLLINS ROAD STREET
LIGHTING PROJECT BY TENNYSON ELECTRIC - CP 9739
Public Works memo of July 22, 1999, recommended if council accept this project as
completed by Tennyson Electric in the amount of $?,27,958.
RESOLUTION 80-1999 ACCEPTING COMPLETION OF ADRIAN ROAD STREET
IMPROVEMENTS BY McGUIRE & HESTER - CP 9728
Public Works memo of July 13, 1999, recommended council accept this project as completed
by McGuire & Hester in the amount of $1,475,367.58.
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August 2,1999 s66 Burlingame City Council
d.RESOLUTION 81-1999 EXTENDING THE SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE CONTRACT
WITH JJR CONSTRUCTION TO 1999-2OOO
Public Works memo of July 26, 1999, recommended council approve adoption of a resolution
extending the sidewalk maintenarrce agreement with JJR Construction through the current
fiscal year for the amount of $575,000.
e.RESOLUTION 82-1999 AMENDING THE 1998-99 BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS: AND
CLARIFICATION OF POLICE CLERK POSITION RECLASSIFICATION IN 1999-2OOO
POLICE DEPT. BUDGET
Asst. City Manager's memo of July 28, 1999, reccmmended council approve a resolution
adjusting appropriations for various department and also approve the reclassification of an
existing Police Clerk to Police Clerk III in the 1999-2000 police budget. Although the 1998-
99 budget expenditures were within total appropriations (approximately 98 percent of the
budget was spent - $488,000 under btdget), several programs exceeded expenditures for
unanticipated circumstances. Council must approve movement of $179,750 in budget
appropriations from general fund sources that came in under budget to these nine divisions that
were over budget. In addition, the 1999-2000 Police Budget contains funds for reclassification
of the Police Clerk III position but the budget narration failed to mention the reclassified
position, therefore council must approve the change.
Fire Chief's memo of July 27 , 1999, recommended council approve an agreement between the
City of Millbrae and the City of Burlingame to have Millbrae Fire vehicles serviced by the
Burlingame Fire Department.
AUTHORIZE ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENTS WITH BFI TO ALLIED WASTE
INDUSTRIES
Asst. City Manager's memo of July 22, 1999, recommended council approve assignment of
agreements pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Uniform Franchise Agreement with BFI and of
Section 11.4 of the Green Waste Collection Agreement. Assignment includes the collection
franchise agreement, yard waste agreement and reci'cling agreement.
h. WARRANTS AND PAYROLL
Finance Director recommended approval of Warrants 64584 - 65027, duly audited, in the
amount of $2,123,893.55 (excluding Library Checks 64775 - 64800); Payroll Checks 117494 -
1.18254 for the month of June 1999 in the amount of $1,182,183.85 and Electronic Fund
Transfers for the month of June 1999 in the amount of $389.593.71.
REAPPOINTMENT OF DIANA WARDEN AS YOUTH ADVISORY MEMBER OF PARK
& RECREATION COMMISSION
Parks & Recreation Director's memo of July 29, 1999, recommended council appoint Diana
Burlingame City Council 567 August 2,1999
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f.RESOLUTION 83-1999 AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF MILLBRAE FIRE
DEPARTMENT FOR SERVICE OF THEIR FIRE VEHICLES BY BURLINGAME FIRE
DEPARTMENT
Warden to a second term as Youth Advisory Comrnission until June 30, 2000.
J. MAJOR DONATION TO THE LIBRARY FBOM THE MARSHALL GIFT TRUST
City Librarian's memo of July 22, 1999, recommended council acknowledge the gift of the
Marshall Trust given for the benefit of the Burlingame Public Library and approve procedures
for implementation of the trust. Thomas Z. Marshall, a resident of the Mills Estate area since
1957 ,left one quarter of his estate to the Library. The Library's share will be slightly over
$500,000. These funds will be used for major capital projects or other programs that would
not be possible without such funds.
K" REQUEST FROM BROADWAY MERCHANTS FOR A FESTIVAL IN PARKING LOT
UY'' ON 12. 1999
City Manager's note of July 26, L999, upon the letter from Ross Bruce dated July 13,
recommended council approve closure of the Chula Vista lot "Y" as requested subject to
submittal of insurance, signature of hold harmless, and merchant's cleanup.
I. REJECT CLAIM OF UNIGARD FOR FLOODING
City Attorney's memo of July 20,1999, recommended council reject the claim for property
damage by flooding that allegedly occurred on January 18, 1998, at L4L9 Burlingame Avenue.
m.RESOLUTION 84-1999 AI'PROVING AGREEMENT WITH DESILVA GATES FOR
SOCCER FIELD DRAINAGE REVISIONS - LANDFILL CLOSURE PHASE I - CP 9117(1)
Public Works memo of July 29, 1999, recommenili;d council approve an agreement with
Desilva Gates in the amount of $183,750 to correct drainage problems at the landfill soccer
field. In 1997 , DeSilva Gates was award the Phase I closure contract; part of the closure was
a soccer field subdrainage system which was installed and covered with drainage material.
Last winter's rains revealed the drainage system was not working properly. Upon
investigation it was determined the drainage gravel supplied was made of recycled concrete
material which had partially recemented reducing permeability. Testing for cement was not a
requirement in the specifications; to avoid litigation and correct the drainage, staff
recommends the additional work by DeSilva Gatcs be considered a settlement. This
expenditure is below the $220,000 savings the city realized by using a less stringent
specification in the original contract.
Councilwoman O'Mahony moved approval of the Conseiit Calendar. Seconded by Councilman
Spinelli and carried 4-0-1 by voice vote, Councilman Galligan absent.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Spinelli reported on the "NOISE" conference he attended regarding airport noise, noted
we are lucky to have a cooperative airport unlike some other cities. Vice Mayor Knight told about
Summer Enrichment program run by Recreation; she met with Michael Barber about cycling
concerns. Councilwoman O'Mahony had been away on vacation, did attend last Friday's PFRN
event. Mayor Janney also attend the PFRN event, CMAQ, Burlingame Senior's Day at the Giants
game, Convention Bureau and the special Planning Commission/Design Review meeting.
August 2,1999 s68 Burlingame City Council
a.
OLD BUSINESS
Vice Mayor Knight remarked on Councilman Galligan's letter; she thought the majority of council
made the right decision by not donating $4000 for conceptual teen center plans.
Councilwoman O'Mahony mentioned concerns about defective wiring at Bayside Park; had hoped the
changes in restaurant reclassification would have come before council by this time, noted staff said it
will be coming next month.
NEW BUSINESS
Vice Mayor Knight had calls complaining about all the double parking on California Drive at
Burlingame Avenue, should the Traffic Commission take a look at this site. Councilman Spinelli
thought extending the loading zone might relieve the problem.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Commission Minutes: Library Board, March 16 and April 20; Beautification, July 1; Senior,
July 15; Park and Recreation, July 15; Planning, July 12 and Jluly 26, 1999.
Department Reports: Treasurer, June 30, 1999; Building, June 1999; Police June 1999; Parks
& Recreation Quarterly Report.
ktter from Dave Lombardi regarding the condition of Parking Lot "H" at Ralston and El
Camino.
d. Convention & Visitors Bureau Report for June 1999.
e. Proclamation for Census 2000
Letter from Michael Barber regarding residential street parking, low parking meter fees in
commercial areas and the waste reduction goals of the city.
Letter from John Webb regarding mitigation for the Airport runway reconfiguration project.
Letter from Marlene Juscen-Long asking the city to sponsor a street celebration for the
millennium on December 31., 1999.
Letter from Senator Polanco asking support for SB 984 creating a State holiday on March 31
in honor of Cesar Chavez.
j. Letter from SamTrans regarding the need for transit oriented development.
Councilwoman O'Mahony asked about sending a letter in opposition to SB 402, Compulsory and
Binding Arbitration. Council directed staff to write a letter in opposition and prepare a resolution for
consideration at the next meeting.
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Burlingame City Council s69 August 2,1999
ADJOURNMENT IN MEMORY OF CECILIA SNYDER AND CAROL STANAWAY
CLOSED SESSION
Council moved to a closed session at 9:08 p.m. to consider threatened litigation "Claim of Diana
Ramsden for Personal Injury. "
The meeting reconvened at 9:15 p.m. and the City Attorney reported that council gave direction to
staff regarding the claim.
Councilwoman O'Mahony asked council adjourn in memory of Cecilia Snyder, sister of Tom Byrnes.
Mayor Janney asked for a moment of silence in memory of Cecilia Snyder and also Carol Stanaway,
local business woman, who passed away recently. The meeting was adjourned at 9:16 p.m. after a
moment of silence in their memory.
Judith A. Malfatti
City Clerk
August 2" 1999 574 Burlingame City Council