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MINUTES OF THE Amendments noted in bold italics A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was called to order on February 11, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 2222 Camino Ramon, Mayor Wilson presiding. PRESENT: Councilmembers Cambra, Dickey, Hudson, Tatarka and Mayor Wilson. ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Gail E. Waiters, City Attorney Tom Curry, Police Chief Brian Lindblom, Assistant City Manager/Administrative Services Director Jim Estep, Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio, Development Services Director Joye Fukuda, Interim Public Services Director Doug Udell, Planning Manager Phil Wong, Economic Development Manager John Dillon, and City Clerk Judy Macfarlane. * * * * Mayor Wilson requested a moment of silence in memory of the Columbia astronauts, Rick D. Husband, William McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Salton Clark, and Ilan Ramon, who perished on February 1, 2003. * * * * PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Boy Scout Pack 201 from Country Club Elementary School led Council, staff and those present in the audience in the pledge of allegiance. * * * * CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS The City Clerk stated on January 28, 2003, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2003-12 creating the Open Space and Conservation Advisory Committee. She said this committee would combine the recently created Open Space Advisory Committee and the Environmental Affairs Advisory Committee, and it would be comprised of 12 members; 11 voting and a non-voting student member (as currently provided for in the EAAC’s by-laws). The Clerk reviewed the applications received and recommended the Council appoint the five applicants. Cm. Hudson’s motion to appoint Jim Blickenstaff, Sue Cold, Christy Eiland, Susan Friedman and Jim Zelenski to the Open Space and Conservation Advisory Committee was seconded by Cm. Tatarka. Cm. Dickey encouraged convening this committee as soon as possible. The motion passed 5-0. Mayor Wilson thanked all the new members for applying. He said the new Open Space and Conservation Advisory Committee would start as soon as possible. * * * * PUBLIC COMMENT Jim Hanafee spoke regarding the City’s membership in the Tri-Valley Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (TVCVB). He expressed his displeasure that the City had contributed almost $100,000 per year for the past 5-6 years participating in this organization. Mr. Hanafee said he did not view San Ramon as a vacation center and it was unclear as to why the City continued to promote the TVCVB. He urged the Council not to fund the Tri-Valley Convention and Visitor’s Bureau in the future. Rosalind Rogoff said she had added a new announcement page to the San Ramon Observer. She reviewed the various items and organizations currently listed and encouraged interested parties to e-mail her at contact@sanramonobserver.org. Jim Blickenstaff said there were several concerns on the West Side regarding grading on Norris Canyon projects and visibility impacts. He said the Bollinger Hills residents had contacted the County regarding their concerns and had requested the City to increase contact with the County regarding the viewsheds and the effect the project will have on the City and its image. Ellen Pyle stated she was concerned about the on-going fencing project between the City and Royal Vista Golf Course. She said the fencing project has taken over 10 years, and was still not complete. She requested that the Royal Vista fencing project be placed on a future agenda so the matter could be appropriately discussed. Melody Lundgren said she was a member of Friends of San Ramon (FOSR) and announced the e-mail address for any interested party was fosr@attbi.com. She said Ellen Pyle had asked FOSR to assist in resolving the Royal Vista fencing project. While she felt the project was appropriate, a benefit and enhancement to that area specifically, Mrs. Lundgren said the problem appeared to be an inappropriate relationship between the City of San Ramon and Royal Vista (a private development), resulting in proper procedures to safeguard public funds not being adhered to. She stated there were many concerns with the management of this project and requested this item be placed on a future agenda for discussion. Donna Kerger announced the registration dates and locations for membership in the San Ramon Soccer Club. * * * * APPROVAL OF MINUTES The City Clerk requested the minutes of the January 28, 2003 meeting be continued to the meeting of February 25, 2003. The City Manager said that Item 4.1 Special Presentations had been pulled from the agenda and that should be read into the record. * * * * CONSENT CALENDAR Cm. Dickey requested that Item 8.2 be pulled from the Consent Calendar. She stated under the Liaison List for City Civic Center Oversight Committee, Cm. Tatarka and she were on that committee. Since there was now a new Open Space and Conservation Advisory Committee, Cm. Dickey suggested the new committee replace the Environmental Affairs Advisory Committee. She also stated that under Committees of the Council, Internal Operations had been renamed to Policy Committee. She asked for the corrections as noted be made, and moved approval of the Consent Calendar. Cm. Dickey’s motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended was seconded by Cm. Hudson passed 5-0. Register of Demands Dated January 15, 23, and 26, 2003 in the amount of $1,392,248.18. Resolution No. 2003-18 Approving City Council 2002-2003 Liaison Appointments to Area Wide and State Wide Committees, City/Community Committees and Committees of Council. Resolution No. 2003-19 Approving City Council 2002-2003 Liaison Appointments to the Southwest Area Transportation Committee (SWAT). Resolution No. 2003-20 Approving City Council 2002-2003 Liaison Appointments to the Tri-Valley Transportation Council (TVTC). Resolution No. 2003-21 Approving City Council 2002-2003 Liaison Appointments to the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (CCCTA). Acceptance of Work by MCK Services, Inc. for construction of FY 2002/03 Pavement Management – Phase I Project (CIP 5317) as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder’s Office Acceptance of Work by Cleary Brothers Landscape, Inc., for construction of Phase I of the Crow Canyon Road North Frontage Landscape Project – Alcosta Boulevard to St. George Road (CIP 8345) and Alcosta Boulevard Median Landscape Project – Crow Canyon Road to Norris Canyon Road (CIP 8346) as complete and authorize the City Clerk to file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder’s Office. * * * * ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORTS Library Advisory Committee Yvonne Kimber, Library Advisory Committee member, presented the Annual Report of the Committee. Mrs. Kimber stated the annual report had been presented to the Parks and Community Services Commission on November 13, 2002. Mrs. Kimber reviewed the accomplishments of the committee for 2002:
Mrs. Kimber outlined the goals for 2003 in relation to the City Center Library and Dougherty Valley Library. She stated the Committee would continue raising the public awareness of library resources, services, and outlined how the community can support the library. Mrs. Kimber stated the importance of libraries that provides essential public services but also are significant public gathering places. She said libraries are the number one on-line access for people who do not have Internet connection at home, school or work. Mrs. Kimber said the San Ramon Library is one of the busiest in Contra Costa County with an average of 100 people per hour Monday through Saturday and over 200 per hour on Sundays. Mayor Wilson stated the City was committed to ensure that the library would survive in spite of the current economic trends and recognized Joyce Gunn, the San Ramon Librarian. Mrs. Kimber concluded by saying the committee was planning on addressing the PTA’s to increase public awareness of the library. Mid Year Report - Community Services Grant Program FY 2002-03 Jeff Eorio, Parks and Community Services Director, introduced the mid-year review of the Community Services Grant Program for FY 2002-03, and said there were no fiscal implications at this time. He stated one of the requirements of the program was the recipients were to provide a mid-year report outlining the use of the funding, the impact the project has had within the San Ramon community, the number of residents served, and performance measures indicating the outcomes and benefits to the San Ramon community. Debbie Roof, Rainbow Project Coordinator at Twin Creeks and Coyote Creek Elementary Schools, thanked the Council for their generous support. She gave a brief history of the program, shared several success stories of children and families in San Ramon. She asked the Council to consider having an increase in funding for next year and specifically asked for a commitment of $5,000 for each school to continue the program. Mike Shimansky, President of the Board, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Contra Costa County, thanked the City for its help with the youth of San Ramon. He stated this program would further develop social and coping skills to create positive lifestyles and to assist the youth in becoming more resilient to negatives factors such as alcohol and drug abuse. Cm. Hudson recognized Adam Chow, Project Manager, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Contra Costa, Inc. Cm. Tatarka inquired as to the time-line for implementation in the San Ramon Schools. Mr. Chow said training for staff would begin the week of February 26th. He said there had been a lot of development and they were just beginning to spend the funds. He said the kick-off would be February 12, 2003, 7 – 9:00 P. M., at Iron Horse Middle School. The Parks and Community Services Director stated that Mr. Chow had worked with the department in the beginning of the Youth Resource Program. The Director answered Cm. Tatarka’s questions by stating the applications for next year’s program would be available the beginning of May, the Ad-hoc committee would be formed in June and recommendations made to Council at the first meeting in July. He said the approved funds are released to the organizations up-front once the proper documentation such as tax numbers had been submitted. Cm Dickey commented that Oliver Haya, Boy Scout Troop 834, had completed his project under budget and had returned the balance to the City. Mayor Wilson recognized the importance of all of the programs that help unify the City, and pledged continuing Council support. Cm. Hudson’s motion to receive the report was seconded by Vice Mayor Cambra and passed unanimously. * * * * UNFINISHED BUSINESS Stanley Fung, City Engineer stated staff recommended adoption of Resolution No. 2003-06 accepting certain public road, stormdrain, landscaping an park improvements construction in Subdivision 8345 as complete and for maintenance. He said the development is located at the northwest corner of Alcosta Boulevard and Montevideo Drive. Mr. Fung provided a brief history of the project, and stated the developer (Braddock & Logan) had requested that the City accept the public improvements to allow for a reduction of certain bonds. He further stated that Braddock & Logan and City staff had conducted a final inspection and all public improvements stipulated in the subdivision’s conditions of approval and it had been determined by City staff to be acceptable. He said all the improvements within Parcel "A" (park site) were also determined to be ready for acceptance and there was not a homeowners association in the subdivision. Cm. Dickey’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2003-06 Accepting certain public road, stormdrain, landscaping an park improvements construction in Subdivision 8345 as complete and for maintenance was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0. * * * * Mayor Wilson called for a 5-minute recess. All Councilmembers were presented when the meeting reconvened. * * * * NEW BUSINESS Thomas M. Bongi, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (SRVFPD) board member, presented the "State of the District". His report provided a recap of the history, charge and program of services provided to the communities in the District. Mr. Bongi highlighted several statistics documenting total responses, emergency services response times and significant accomplishments and service enhancements. He stated the SRVFPD was an ISO Class 2 fire district which is in the top 1 ½% of fire departments/districts in the nation for fire suppression capabilities. He also provided an brief overview of the District’s comprehensive strategic planning processes, facility needs assessment and the impact of the state budget crisis to local government. Mr. Bongi answered Mayor Wilson’s question as to why the response time varied so much stating the SRVFPD provides fire based paramedic transport, and there is an ambulance at every fire station in San Ramon, with the exception of Station 30 in Dougherty Valley. He assured Council that when the population in Dougherty Valley increased, there would be an ambulance at that station as well. He said there were no borders in the District, and if there were an actual catastrophic emergency, reserve ambulances, multi-casualty units medical supplies at every station would be utilized. He stated engines can also operate as ambulances capable of transporting multiple passengers. In response to Cm. Dickey’s inquiry as to the criteria used to establish the ISO rating Mr. Bongi answered that the ISO rating strictly related to fire suppression capabilities; dispatch, staffing, equipment and water supply. Mr. Bongi addressed Cm. Hudson’s concerns regarding road accessibility stating that each speed bump adds an additional 15 seconds in response time. He stated the District does not take an official position on the installation or prevention of speed bumps, but does try to educate the public about the effectiveness. Vice Mayor Cambra confirmed that the 61% medical emergency response type was very consistent, and that every engine and ambulance were staffed with a paramedic. Cm. Tatarka requested definition of the terms "good intent, false, and service calls". She said the 16% for false calls seemed high and asked for this to be addressed. Assistant Chief Steve Hart said the good intent calls are "cat in the tree" type calls; the units will respond but will keep the units in service ready to respond to a true life threatening emergency. False calls are false alarms, faulty in-home alarms systems, and calls triggered by burnt popcorn in the microwave, etc. Service calls are broken or leaking pipes, flooding issues, such as the Sunny Glen incident of December 2002. Mayor Wilson expressed his concern for "control of water" and asked for an explanation. Assistant Chief Hart stated the District does not have complete control over the water, but has a strong working relationship with EBMUD and DSRSD. He described how dispatch interfaces with EBMUD and DSRSD during major events to increase water pressure by zones. Assistant Chief Hart verified for Cm. Dickey that the reverse osmosis (purple pipe) water could be utilized as well. Assistant Chief Hart clarified that 90% of the responses are five-minutes or less. He described the process for Mayor Wilson when there are multiple emergency calls, stating there are 13 companies on staff with the San Ramon Valley Fire District at all times that cross-staff all equipment. He described the equipment used for various responses to emergencies on Mt. Diablo. Mayor Wilson stated his concern regarding the radio system and the response to the Sunny Glen flood. He requested the Fire District meet with the Chief of Police to discuss. He also inquired if the Fire District had a citizen’s academy, similar to the police academy. Mr. Bongi stated there was a current recruitment for the volunteer fire program and described the volunteers contributions during the recent flood. He said he would return at a future date to provide more information on the comprehensive strategic planning process, the training facility needs assessment and the resource deployment schemes to best serve the residents. * * * * CITY MANAGER COMMENTS The City Manager, stated with regard to the Royal Vista fencing project, staff was currently working on the aquatics issue and would like to address both the aquatics and fencing items concurrently. She stated there was a possibility that these items would go to the Finance or Policy Committee prior to being agendized for a Council meeting. Ms. Waiters stated a preliminary report had been received from Management Partners, Inc., and she was planning on utilizing a portion of the information as a foundation for the March 8, 2003 Council Goals Workshop. Ms. Waiters said she would defer Cm. Tatarka’s question regarding the Norris Canyon Estates project pending her further review of the project. Ms. Waiters said she anticipated the Royal Vista fencing project would be agendized for the March 11, 2003 meeting. * * * * CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Wilson announced the League of California Cities had formed a new committee/mayor based group to personally visit legislators in Sacramento to express concerns regarding their negatively impacting decisions. Cm. Tatarka announced the program "What’s Up With Our Kids" would be held on February 12, 2003 at Iron Horse Middle School. Cm. Dickey said she had attended the Commuter Choice Tax Benefit Program and had invited Jim Paxton to speak at a future Chamber of Commerce program. She stated many communities and business are joining the program as there are benefits for large, small and medium sized businesses. She described the program including employee incentives and tax benefits for companies, which would be a win-win situation for those involved. Cm. Dickey said while we already have a ride share program, the Commuter Choice Tax Benefit Program would deal with tax benefits that can be realized and was hopeful that San Ramon could participate soon. Cm. Dickey stated when she had the opportunity to review the FPPC statements for Measure H she found it disturbing that the "No on Measure H" campaign fund reflected an approximate total of $50,000 compared to $4,000 for the "Yes on Measure H" campaign. She expressed concern for the difficulty grass roots people had to take part in our local government when other campaigns are funded by business. Cm. Dickey compared this to the recent election in Danville where one candidate spent $50,000 and another candidate spent $23,000, stating this kind of eliminates a lot of people who would want to run for local office unless they had backing by major corporations, big business, or developers. Cm. Dickey requested the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance to establish a cap on candidate spending and if it were feasible to include limitations on measure campaign spending. She concluded by stating our local 4H Club had been denied funding by the local corporations, i.e. Chevron, Toyota, Dow and SBC, however, the final FPPC statements for the ‘No on Measure H" campaign reflected a $1,000 donation from Chevron. Cm. Dickey stated it was apparent Chevron felt it was more important to get involved in local politics than assisting children in our community. Cm. Hudson announced there was a Regional Water Quality meeting in Oakland on February 19, 2003, and encouraged attendance to address budgetary concerns. Mayor Wilson announced the National Lung Association of the East Bay recognized the City of San Ramon for having 98%+ of its buildings smoke free. There being no further business to come before the City, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 P.M. Signed: H. Abram Wilson, Mayor
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