Special and Regular Meeting of May 8, 2012

City Council Chambers, One Twin Pines Lane

Special/Closed/etc.

6:45 P.M. Special Meeting

CLOSED SESSION

A.              Conference with Labor Negotiator, Greg Scoles, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6: MMCEA, AFSCME

REGULAR MEETING

 (Closed Session was canceled)

CALL TO ORDER 7:35 P.M.

ROLL CALL

COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Lieberman, Wozniak, Feierbach, Braunstein, Warden

COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: None

Staff Present: City Manager Scoles, City Attorney Rennie, Police Chief Mattei, Fire Chief Fry, Parks and Recreation Director Gervais, Community Development Director de Melo, Finance Director Fil, Public Works Director Oskoui, Human Resources Director Dino, Deputy Finance Director Lazzari, Interim Information Services Manager Eggers, City Treasurer Violet, City Clerk Cook

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Led by Mayor Warden

REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION

Mayor Warden noted that the Closed Session scheduled for 6:45 p.m. had been canceled.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Presentation from San Mateo County Chief Probation Officer Stuart Forrest on Realignment

Stuart Forrest, Chief Probation Officer, explained that realignment was introduced by former Governor Pete Wilson in 1991 as a cost-saving measure, but was never enacted. He stated that the State prison population has increased, experiences a 70 percent recidivism rate, and the State has budget issues. The federal government issued an order to reduce the prison population. He described how new felons will now remain in the county rather than being sent to State prison.

Mr. Forrest stated that this program will enable local police departments and the probation department to collaborate. He described the process that occurs when a prisoner is released. He noted that 90 percent of the prisoners in the program are substance abusers, most of whom are referred for treatment. He explained that the allocation of monies has been prioritized in order to achieve a good outcome. He stated that most prisoners in this program are probation failures, and that the last crime committed is the qualifier, regardless of their previous crimes. He noted that most prisoners have support systems and some have jobs, and the County is able to provide food and housing vouchers.

Discussion ensued. In response to Council questions, Mr. Forrest clarified that some prisoners require electronic monitoring, and that realignment represents seven percent of the total probationers. He described the evaluation process for the realignment program, and explained that there are 15 performance measures. He noted that the State of Oregon has had a similar program in place for ten years. He clarified that the prisoners are being returned to the County that sent them to State prison. He described the difference between someone who has served their term and those in supervised probation under realignment.

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kathleen Beasley/Ellie Anderson, Belmont Library, outlined upcoming end-of-school-year activities and summer programs to be held at the Belmont Library, including a summer reading club.

George Burgess, Belmont Chamber of Commerce, announced the Chamber’s sponsorship of the upcoming Mayor’s State of the City address. He also noted that there will be an informational meeting about the proposed expansion of the Crystal Springs Uplands School on Davis Drive, and that there would be a presentation held at the Silverado Assisted Living facility.

COUNCIL/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Councilmember Braunstein announced that Carlmont High School would be adopting a late start program for the 2013-2014 school year. He also announced that former San Mateo City Councilmember John Lee recently passed away and suggested that the City Council send a letter of condolence. Council concurred.

Councilmember Feierbach stated that the Sequoia Union High School District superintendent met with Assemblymember Jerry Hill and some neighbors of Carlmont High School regarding the proposed athletic field lights. She explained that they are working through some of the issues and concerns, and noted that Carlmont will not be renting the field to any groups other than organized sports.

AGENDA AMENDMENTS

City Manager Scoles explained that a correction had been made to Exhibit A of the resolution approving the Proposition 218 sewer rate hearing process. He noted that the County administrative charge was added.

Councilmember Braunstein requested to table approval of the minutes of the April 10, 2012 meeting in order to have the City Clerk make some modifications. He noted that he would confer with her on his requested change.

ITEMS APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR

Approval of Minutes of Special and Regular Meeting of March 27, 2012 and Regular Meeting of April 24, 2012

Motion to receive Monthly Financial Reports

Motion to Approve Letters of Support for SB 981 (Public Utilities Commission: Revolving Door) and SB 1000 (PUC - Subject to Public Records Act)

Approval of Resolution 2012-047 of the City Council Authorizing the Purchase of Waste Collection Receptacles From Max-R Company in an amount not to Exceed $25,000

Approval of Resolution 2012-048 of the City Council Approving a Service Agreement with RCC Consultants, Inc. for $7,565 to evaluate the Sprint wireless proposal to modify an existing telecommunication facility at One Twin Pines Lane (Applicant Funded Study).

Approval of Resolution 2012-049 of the City Council Approving a Service Agreement with RCC Consultants, Inc. for $7,565 to evaluate the Sprint wireless proposal to modify an existing telecommunication facility at 2130 Ralston Avenue (Applicant Funded Study)

Approval of Resolution 2012-050 of the City Council Authorizing a Service Agreement with Bartel Associates, LLC to Provide GASB 45 OPEB Actuarial Valuation Services for an amount not to exceed $14,000

Approval of Resolution 2012-051 Authorizing Rates for Service Agreements with Goldfarb & Lipman for Legal Services Related to Development Projects and other Matters

Approval of Resolution 2012-052 of the of the City Council Stating Intention to Revise the City’s Sewer Charges Effective Tax Years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014

ACTION: On a motion by Councilmember Braunstein, seconded by Councilmember Wozniak, the Consent agenda was unanimously approved, as amended (minutes of April 10, 2012 tabled, and amended Exhibit A to Resolution 2012-052), by a show of hands.

OTHER BUSINESS

Consideration of FY 2012/2013 Citywide Priorities

City Manager Scoles outlined projects that were completed during the previous year, and described ongoing projects.

Councilmember Wozniak suggested categorizing the projects listed under Distinctive Character as having a sustainability focus, and to allocate funds to them. She stated that lack of focus is resulting in some projects taking too long to complete.

Discussion ensued.

Mayor Warden stated that he would not categorize some projects as sustainable, and does not support changing the category. He stated that the Green Advisory Committee does not dictate policy, the City Council does.

City Manager Scoles suggested that it is more important to identify the priority than to be concerned with where to list the project. He explained that staff can identify the person and the timeline as the project moves forward. He recommended revisiting the vision statement.

Councilmember Lieberman suggested grouping the green and sustainable projects into one area. He noted they are currently listed in several categories.

City Manager Scoles reviewed the projects listed in the Easy Mobility category.

Councilmember Lieberman spoke regarding traffic issues on Ralston Avenue and requested clarification on potential solutions.

Public Works Director Oskoui stated that an updated Ralston Avenue corridor study can provide a baseline. He explained that it could help identify incremental changes.

Councilmember Feierbach commented regarding vehicular speed on the upper portion of Ralston Avenue and expressed the need for enforcement, especially during after-school hours. She noted that schools produce much traffic.

Councilmember Wozniak noted that High Speed Rail should be re-categorized as Caltrain Modernization.

Council concurred to leave the Paper Trails project below the line.

Discussion ensued regarding the future plans for the San Juan Hills property acquisition. Mayor Warden expressed concern regarding the lack of movement on this matter. He recommended leveraging some expertise in the real estate industry. Community Development Director de Melo stated that the property could be divided into four lots based on existing standards, but four lots might not be appropriate. He indicated that staff has solicited interest from potential developers, and he clarified that this project would require specialty interest.

Councilmember Feierbach recommended addressing the properties on Bishop Road and Marsten Avenue together as a package as opposed to piece meal.

Councilmember Wozniak stated that updating the Parks and Open Space Master Plan is important, and she recommended a piecemeal approach. She noted that some areas have been neglected and need remedial efforts.

Councilmember Feierbach stated that McDougal Park needs improving.

Councilmember Wozniak expressed support for an initial effort with regard to the implementation of a Parks foundation. Parks and Recreation Director Gervais suggested that this be a community-driven rather than staff driven effort.

Council concurred to add the ordinance banning polystyrene to the list of priorities.

In response to Council questions regarding large family day care facilities, Community Development Director de Melo stated that this matter is scheduled to return to the City Council in late summer. He noted that the Planning Commission has discussed this issue.

City Manager Scoles reviewed the projects listed in the Thriving Economy category. Discussion ensued regarding economic development and the existing City-owned properties in the downtown. City Manager Scoles stated that the City Council could keep the sites for future use, or dispose of the properties.

Council concurred that the items listed below the line should remain there.

City Manager Scoles suggested adding the following projects: 1) climate action plan, 2) Waterdog Lake acquisition, 3) strategy regarding the future of Barrett, 4) Successor Agency startup, 5) housing program, and 6) update the City’s website.

Councilmember Wozniak concurred with the need to focus on the climate action plan, Barrett, and the website. She expressed a desire to look at how the City communicates with the public, and she supports ongoing efforts to go paperless. She noted that there is a long-term lease associated with Waterdog Lake; therefore there is no urgency.

Councilmember Braunstein expressed concern regarding the volume of items on the priority list. He also noted that the Successor Agency activities will take place and suggested that it does not need to be listed.

Council concurred to remove the Successor Agency from the list and to place Waterdog Lake below the line.

Kevin Sullivan, Belmont resident, expressed support for the need to update the City’s website and improve communications. He recommended leaving Barrett on the priority list, and stated that the San Juan Canyon properties that were acquired by the City are a priority. He stated that this property will provide connections to open space, and the Parks and Open Space Master Plan and the General Plan should be updated to reflect this.

Michael Armanini, Belmont resident, stated that the City should determine what to achieve at Barrett. He expressed concern regarding the time and money involved in obtaining entitlements for development on Marsten Road and recommended that the City consider financing the carrying costs in order to facilitate the sale.

Councilmember Braunstein recommended identifying the top priorities, and he noted that public safety does not have a category.

Mayor Warden suggested a review of the City’s vision statement.

Councilmember Wozniak noted that the new priority process is much less confusing than the previous one.

COMMISSION, COMMITTEE, AND COUNCIL INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSIGNMENT UPDATES, AND STAFF ITEMS

Verbal report from Councilmembers on Intergovernmental (IGR) and Subcommittee Assignments

Councilmember Lieberman outlined the topics of discussion at the recent 2+2 meeting with the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District.

Councilmember Wozniak described a drama program held at Sandpiper School on healthy lifestyles that was sponsored by Kaiser Hospital. She outlined the recent Peninsula Cities Consortium (PCC) meeting.

Mayor Warden stated that the tentative budget was approved by the Library Joint Powers Authority.

Consideration of Canceling a Council Meeting for a Summer Break

City Manager Scoles stated that the City Council typically cancels a meeting during the summer. Councilmembers discussed their preferences. City Clerk Cook suggested that cancellation of the second meeting in December be included in the motion to cancel a summer meeting.

ACTION: On a motion by Councilmember Wozniak, seconded by Councilmember Braunstein, and unanimously approved by a show of hands to cancel the August 28, 2012 and December 25, 2012 City Council meetings.

Verbal Report from City Manager

City Manager Scoles thanked recently retired Information Services Director Harnish and Executive Assistant Stallings for their many years of service. He noted that the new hazardous materials vehicle has been placed into service. He explained that the Belmont Fire Department provides haz mat services for the entire County, and the vehicle was paid from grant monies.

City Manager Scoles stated that the new combined agency agenda was used for the first time for tonight’s meeting. He announced that the week of May 20 is Public Works Week, and that the Public Works Department would be holding an open house at the corporation yard. He thanked the Belmont Park Boosters for its contribution of a new stage cover in the meadow at Twin Pines Park. He thanked the Police Department for helping to coordinate traffic for Notre Dame de Namur’s recent commencement.

ADJOURNMENT at this time, being 10:05 P.M.

                                                                                                            Terri Cook

City Clerk

Meeting Tape Recorded and Videotaped

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