HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - CC - 2001.02.20BURLINGAME, CALIFORNIA
February 20r2001
1. REGULAR MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
A 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 at7:01p.m. by Mayor Joe Galligan.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
COUNCIL PRESENT:
COUNCIL ABSENT:
COFFEY, GALLIGAN, JANNEY, O'MAHONY, SPINELLI
NONE
At this time, Mayor Galligan noted a Closed Session item would be discussed at the end of the meeting
in regards to the real estate negotiations for 1369 North Carolan Avenue.
Vice Mayor Spinelli noted a correction to the minutes of January 27,2001; page three should be
CalTrain instead of CalTrans. With this correction, Councilman Spinelli made a motion to approve
the minutes of January 27,2001; seconded by Councilwoman Janney, approved unanimously by voice
vote, 5-0.
Vice Mayor Spinelli noted an addition to the minutes of February 5,2001; Page 2, after Mayor
Galligan opened the public hearing, it should be noted that there were no comments from the floor and
the hearing was closed. Councilman Coffey made a motion to approve the minutes of February 5,
2001; seconded by Councilwoman Janney, approved unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
5a. PUBLIC HEARING WHETHER TO RESCIND ORDINANCE #1643 TO ADD STOP
SIGNS ON ADELINE DRIVE AT CORTEZ
DPW Bagdon noted Council made a decision in October to reconsider the Ordinance #1643 that was
adopted to install stop signs at Adeline and Cortez and requested staff review possible alternatives to
increase safety for pedestrians crossing Adeline. City staff met with residents of the area and
discussed options. Summary of concems and issues raised by the residents was included in the staff
report. The preferred options by the residents all include a crosswalk and better signage, together with
either a stop sign or a warning light, crossing guard or more predominant pavement markings. Staff
continues to have concerns with respect to the crosswalks and signage; believes that having three sets
of stop signs within 600 feet on a collector street increases the probability that drivers will not take
them seriously and may not come to a full stop. Staff suggested more intensified traffic enforcement,
possibly closing one of the public accesses at either Cortez or Cabrillo and put the stop signs in the
location where the opening still existed, or having a crossing guard and improved signage at that
February 20,2001 292 Burlingame City Council
Led by David Bamrto.
3. ROLL CALL
4. MINUTES
location.
CM Nantell noted staff appreciated the opportunity to be able to meet with the neighborhood
representatives to review the issues. One of the difficulties is the issue that centers around traffic in the
community. All five elementary schools have concerns about traffic and how it impacts the safety of
the children near the schools. Important to recognize standards to be used to address traffic issues.
The standard that is in place at this location is pedestrians can gain access to cross Adeline at a
controlled intersection with pedestrian markings by walking one block to the right or one block to the
left and cross the street safely. Feels the standard in place is an appropriate balance between these
competing interests; safe access across the street for pedestrians as well as flowing traffic. Staff looks
at stop signs as also becoming a traffic diversion vehicle, which pushes traffic from one street to
another street. Continuing to add more stop signs will divert traffic to Hillside, which is already
carrying the bulk of the east/west traffic.
Council Questions: Vice Mayor Spinelli asked if there was any formal count done on how many
children enter the gates at Cabrillo and Cortez. DPW stated there was no formal count done, but that
the Traffic Engineer was there during one school session; at Cortez he counted approximately 12
pedestrians, but can't say that is representative of how many pedestrians are actually going across the
street in those locations. CM Nantell noted that dismissal from school is spread out over a period of
time and that the Traffic Engineer was only counting during one brief interval.
DPW Bagdon noted having the stop signs further apartrather than closer will cause drivers to gain
speed between the stop signs and perhaps go faster. Mayor Galligan asked if the issues are worse
when Mercy High School is in session, which would warrant locking the gate at Cortez to the entrance
to the park during this time frame. CM Nantell stated this could be done if necessary. Noted the City
picks up the expense for the crossing guard. The estimate would be approximately $3,000 per year for
crossing guard on Adeline Drive and Cortez.
Mayor Galligan opened the public hearing. The following spoke in favor of the stop signs
Sue Pelequin, Cortez, stated she would like Council to look at the bigger picture; there is a major
problem at Lincoln School with traffic on Devereaux; Lincoln School does not have a parking lot so
cars back up; PTA is trying to educate parents to drop off their children at alternate locations in an
attempt to increase flow around the school; need to try to decrease the number of cars parked in front
of Lincoln School; would like to have a yellow crosswalk and stop sign to designate it as a school
crossing. Shirley Lee, resident of Cortez, stated their family utilizes the entrance at Cortez two to
four times per day; noted not just the families from Lincoln utilize that entrance; residents during the
day also use that entrance; would like Burlingame to promote a more pedestrian-friendly city. Janice
McGee, resident of Cortez and Adeline, stated she has had three cars hit due to speeding cars; supports
installation of stop sign. Julia Winslow, parent at Lincoln School and PTA President, noted even the
children's parents don't drive safely in the school zone; cars speed through the stop sign at Balboa and
Adeline; feels if a stop sign at Cortez will slow down cars, it might help the problem and possibly save
lives; agreed it is inconvenient to have to keep stopping. Demitri Wentworth, 1429 Coriez, and Jill
Young, a resident on Cortez, also support the crosswalk and stop sign on Adeline at Cortez.
Kathleen Wentworth, 1429 Cortez, acknowledged aiid thanked City Manager Nantell for chairing the
committee regarding this subject. She noted that even though the residents spoke of various options,
they still favor the stop sign as the best option and secondary options were provided as discussion
Burlingame City Council 293 February 20,2001
items. Noted Adeline and Cortez has a lot of heavy pedestrian traffrc, not just children going to
Lincoln School or people visiting Ray Park. Some children cut through Ray Park to reach OLA as
well as children cutting through to reach BIS. Feels drivers in the past were more courteous and
respectful of pedestrians; some drivers do not pay attention to pedestrians that are crossing in an
unmarked crosswalk. Does not feel closing the gate is a good solution; need to decompress
Devereaux and using the Cabrillo and Cortez entrance could help. Mrs. Wentworth does not believe
leaving things as they arc and encouraging the children to walk to Balboa or Cabrillo will work; more
traffic enforcement is a good idea but probably not a permanent solution. She does not advocate
closing Cabrillo; wants it available for a drop off/pick up point for school. Would like to have the
City be more pedestrian friendly and make the parks more accessible to people. Feels a crossing
guard is a good idea, but with the inclusion of a marked crosswalk so it would also be safe on the
weekend.
Those in opposition of the stop sign: Metra Sonico, resident on Adeline, does not believe more stop
signs are needed. David Taylor, resident at Drake and Taylor, stated he taught his daughter to stop,
look and listen; parents should be teaching their children how to cross the streets; does not want or
believe more stop signs are needed on Adeline; a possible solution could be closing the gate at
Adeline and Cortez. Roy Christensen, resident on Carlos, does not believe another stop sign is needed
and possibly stronger police enforcement is necessary.
There were no additional comments and the hearing was closed.
Council Comments: Mayor Galligan noted that atthe time the stop sign ordinance for Adeline at
Cortez was approved, comments were made at the hearing that led Council to believe that staff was
recommending the installation of these stop signs. Consequently, staff distributed a memo to Council
explaining they did not recommend the installation of the stop signs. Noted school safety is a priority
to everyone; something schools have faced for many years; installing stop signs at Cortez could cause
accidents; would like to take small steps before installing these stop signs. Noted there are no stop
signs warning drivers there is a school in the area; signs stating there is a school in the area is
necessary. Need more police enforcement; would like to have a police officer dedicated every
morning and aftemoon at one of the schools. Would like an ordinance adopted to make talking on cell
phones while driving in a school zone illegal, whether dropping off a child or not; putting in a
crosswalk without a sign would be a death warran! a child will think a car is going to stop, which is
not necessarily the case. Would like to rescind this stop sign ordinance, install school zone signs,
assign a police officer in the morning and afternoon at Cortez and Adeline, and leave both openings at
Cortez and Adeline open. Councilwoman O'Mahony noted she received many calls from residents
against the installation of the stop sign. Noted there is only 100 yards between each stop sign; afraid
an additional sign would encourage rolling stops. Appreciated the efforts being made by the residents
in attempt to keep the children safe. Feels installing these stop signs would create an unfair standard
for the traffic demands on Adeline and would shift the burden to Hillside Drive. Councilwoman
Janney noted she also misunderstood the original staff report and that staff was recommending the stop
sign; likes the idea of having a designated officer at all of the schools twice a day and in making this a
priority; supportive of an ordinance regarding the use of cell phones in a school zone. Vice Mayor
Spinelli stated that school zone signs are important on A,deline; feels the entrance on Cortez magnifies
the problem; supports closing the Cortez entrance to force people to use the Cabrillo entrance.
Councilman Coffey noted the focus should be on the safety of the children; does not support closing
the entrance to Cortez; this is a safe entrance and is used by a number of people, not just children;
noted the park is used for many different events and programs; feels the stop signs at Adeline and
February 20,2001 294 Burlingame City Council
Cortezare necessary and does not support rescinding the ordinance. Mayor Galligan directed staff to
research the history of when the Cortezopening was installed; does not want to close the entrance until
other possibilities are researched; would like staff to come up with a plan to redesign the Cabrillo
entrance; improve signage and have a greater police presence at all the schools in the City.
Councilwoman Janney made a motion to adopt Ordinance #1651which would rescind Ordinance
#1643 to Add Stop Signs on Adeline Drive atCortez; seconded by Councilwoman O'Mahony,
approved by voice vote, 4-1, with Councilman Coffey dissenting.
5b. ORDINANCE #1650 TO EXTEND INDEFINITELY THE CURRENT DESIGN REVIEW
PROCESS WHICH ALLOWS STUDY OF SINGLE FAMILY HOUSES SUBJECT TO
DESIGN REVIEW AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DESIGN REVIEW PROCESS
CP Monroe noted that at the meeting of February 5,2001, an ordinance was introduced to extend
indefinitely the current design review process. In April 2000, a revision was adopted to the process
which streamlined the process and brought applicants before the Planning Commission for a public
comment meeting before it was determined to put the application on the consent calendar, action
calendar, or refer it to a design reviewer. The process had a sunset clause written in at time of adoption
and now it is at the period of expiration. Should the process expire, the Planning Commission would
go back to the previous process which requires every application go to a design reviewer before going
to the Planning Commission. The comments received from the public on the new process have been
positive"
Mayor Galligan opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the floor and the hearing
was closed.
Councilwoman O'Mahony made a motion to approve the adoption of Ordinance #1650 to extend
indefinitely the current design review process which allows study of a single family house subject to
design review at the beginning of the design review process; seconded by Councilwoman Janney,
approved unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
5c" ADOPT ORDINANCE #1649 TO INCLUDE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
BASEMENT AREAS IN FLOOR AREA RATIO CALCULATIONS
CP Monroe noted that at the meeting of February 5, 2001, an ordinance was introduced to include
single family residential basement areas in floor area ratio calculations; noted in the current code,
basement areas in single family houses are not included in the floor area ratio (FAR) calculation; there
have been concerns expressed about the way basements are defined as well as the exclusion of the
basement area. The Planning Commission recommends on this proposed ordinance in an attempt to
redefine the way basements are addressed when calculating FAR for single-family residences. The
proposed ordinance would include basement areas in single-family houses in the FAR calculation with
some exceptions and prohibit full bathrooms and bedrooms in such basement areas
Mayor Galligan opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the floor and the hearing
was closed.
Councilman Coffey made a motion to adopt Ordinance #1649 which includes single-family residential
basement areas in floor area ratio calculations; seconded by Vice Mayor Spinelli, approved
Burlingame City Council 295 February 20,2001
unanimously by voice vote. Mayor Galligan requested the City Clerk to publish a suflrmary of the
ordinance at least five days before proposed adoption.
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Sue Lindenberg, 865 Linden, requested the City of Burlingame research the over-parking on Rollins
Road, Larkspur Drive, and Linden Avenue; states taxis and limousines are major offenders; feels
parking and traffic ordinances are being enforced selectively; offenders are not being punished;
commercial and unsightly vehicles are parked in the area daily.
a. SAN MATEO COUNTY TOURISM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Adopt ORDINANCE #1648 establishing San Mateo County Tourism Business Improvement
District, the basis for and process of levy and collection of Assessments for the District, and
the District Advisory Board
Adopt RESOLUTION #13-2001 2001 Assessments and Programs for the San Mateo County
Tourism Business Improvement District and Broadway Area Business Improvement District
CA Anderson recommended 1) adopt ORDINANCE#1648 establishing the San Mateo County
Tourism Business Improvement District, establishing basis for and levy of assessments, and
establishing the District advisory board; 2) Adopt RESOLUTION #13-2001 imposing assessments
for Year 2001 and the programs for the year.
a
o
b. LEASE OF CITY OF BURLINGAME RIGHT F WAY TO RECTOR MOTOR CAR
COMPANY _ RESOLUTION #I4.2OOI
CA Anderson recommends approval of lease agreement with Rector Motor Car Company for a term of
five years.
c. TENTATIVE AGREEMENT: ASSOCIATION OF POLICE AND FIRE
ADMINISTRATORS - RESOLUTION # 15"2001
Retired City Manager Argyres recommended Council adopt RESOLUTION #15-2001 approving the
labor agreement with the Association of Police and Fire Administrators. This group represents the
Police Sergeants, Police Commanders, Assistant Fire Chiefs, and Fire Marshal.
d. PURCHASE NEW FIRE ENGINE FOR $364,375.63
FC Reilly recorlmended approval to purchase a new fire engine from Golden State Fire Apparatus for
$364,375.63.
February 20,2001 296 Burlingame City Council
7. STAFF RE,PORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
I
e.ADOPT RESOLUTION #16.2001 OF OFFICIAL INTENT TO REIMBURSE CERTAIN
EXPENDITURES FROM OF INDEBTEDNESS RPORATION YARI)
crroN)
CA Anderson recommended adopting RESOLUTION #16-2001 that will make it possible to reimburse
the City's General Fund for expenditures made in preparing and acquiring property for the
reconstruction of the City's Corporation Yard on North Carolan Avenue.
f. RESOLUTION #17-2001 APPROVING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
AND CONCEPTUAL PLANS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE
CORPORATION YARD AT 1361 N. CAROLAN AVENUE
DPW Bagdon recommended Council approve RESOLUTION #17-2001 approving a Mitigated
Negative Declaration and Conceptual Plans for the reconstruction of the Corporation Yard.
g.RESOLUTION #18-2001 APPROVING STOP SIGN NOTICING PROCEDURES
DPW Bagdon recommended Council approve RESOLUTION #18-2001 for Stop Sign noticing
procedures for Council hearings on Stop Sign Ordinances.
h. REJECT CLAIM OF METRO FURNITURE FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE ON JUNE 21
2000,AND NOVEMBER 2,2OOO
CA Anderson recommended rejecting claim for damage to business operations occurring on June 21,
2000 and November 2,2000, at Metro Fumiture.
i. REJECT CLAIM OF WERNER (CSAA)FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE ON
NOVEMBER 8,2OOO
CA Anderson recommended rejecting claim for damage to automobile occurring on November 8,
2000.
j AND PAYRO JANUARY 2001
Finance Director recommended approval of Warrants 74166-74745 (excluding library check numbers
74705-74745), duly audited, in the amount of $3,148,992.16, Payroll checks 133820-134607 in the
amount of $1,363.241.65, and EFT's in the amount of $338,512.46 for the month of January, 2001.
Councilwoman O'Mahony made a motion to approve the consent calendar; seconded by
Councilwoman Janney, approved unanimously by voice vote, 5-0.
9. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Vice Mayor Spinelli attended an Airport Roundtable Sub-Committee meeting. Councilwoman Janney
attended the San Mateo/Hillsborough/Burlingame/Foster City Leadership Auction, BCE Dinner
Dance, Rotary Dinner Dance, Taste of the Town, Burlingame School District Strategic Long Term
Planning meeting, Poplar ReCare regarding childcare issues at 301 Airport. Councilwoman
O'Mahony attended the downtown parking study forum, Parks and Recreation Meeting regarding the
Burlingame City Council 297 February 20,2001
proposed youth center, C/CAG meeting, and Taste of the Town. Councilman Coffey attended the
Rotary Dinner Dance, BCE Dinner Dance, Taste of the Town, Burlingame Chamber Board meeting,
and Burlingame Committee on Commercial Design Review. Mayor Galligan met with Tom Huening
regarding the Bay Trail, Burlingame Methodist Church, attended Bob Mark's show that featured the
driving range, I-eadership auction, speaker for Government Day for Leadership, met with
representatives from Safeway, judged speech contents for Founders Day at the Lions Club, breakfast
meeting with Mark Church, Roosevelt Founder's Day event, Taste of the Town, and the BCE Dinner
Dance.
An appeal hearing was scheduled for 2405 Hillside Drive for March 5,2001, and an appeal hearing
scheduled for 1209 Bellevue for April 2,2001.
12. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
a. Commission Minutes: Library Board of Trustees, December 19,2000; Parks & Recreation,
January 18, 2001; Planning, January 22,2001; Traffic, Safety and Parking, January 25,2001:.
b. Department Reports: Finance, January 31,2001; Building, January 2001; Police, January
200t
c. Memo from Director of Parks & Recreation regarding Proposed Skateboard Park
d. Memo from Director of Parks & Recreation regarding Energy Conservation at Bayside Park
e. Letter from Sue Lindenberg, 855 Linden Avenue, regarding parking problems on Rollins
Road, Larkspur, and Linden Avenue
f. Letter from Lorenz &LouisaZeeKao,1110 Burlingame Avenue, regarding illegal use of
building
g. Letter from Jennifer and Juergen Pfaff, 625 Bayswater Avenue, regarding traffic on Dwight
Road and Bayswater Avenue
h. Letter from Mr. Butler, l5 19 Forestview Avenue, regarding AT&T Cable rate increases
i. Letter from Pat Moore, P.O. Box 465, regarding Howard/East Lane sidewalk cracks
j. Letter from Mr. & Mrs. Kahn, Helmet Altherr, and Dr. and Mrs. Kelly regarding project at
1825 Castenada
k. Letter from Mr. and Mrs. Siddons, 208 Burlingame Avenue, opposing possible destruction of
Lions Hall and Burlingame Recreation Dept.
Council met in closed session at8:45 p.m. and returned to open session at 8:55 p.m.
February 20,2001 298 Burlingame City Council
10. OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
11. NEW BUSINESS
13. CLOSED SESSION
Pending Litigation (Govemment Code $ 54956.9(a)) and Real Estate Negotiations (Government Code
$ 54956.8) - public hearing on property acquisition itself was held on May 1, 2000.
City of Burlingame vs. Hurt, San Mateo Superior Court Case No. 412951; 1347 N. Carolan Avenue -
City Negotiators: Mike Nave,Larry Anderson, Jim Nantell; Property Owner Representatives - Dorritt
Hurt, Bill Turner.
Council approved a tentative settlement with Mrs. Hurt in the amount of $806,000.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Galligan adjoumed the meeting at 8:56 p.m.
A/rr"t{.'W
Ann T. Musso
City Clerk
Burlingame City Council 299 February 20,2001