MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held March 22, 2005 at 7:09 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2222 Camino Ramon, Mayor Wilson presiding.

PRESENT: Councilmembers Hudson, Perkins, and Rowley, Vice Mayor Livingstone, Mayor Wilson.

STAFF PRESENT City Manager Herb Moniz, City Attorney Byron Athan, Chief Kathy Samuels, Sgt. Paul O’Mary, Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio, Economic Development Director Marc Fontes, Planning Services Director Phil Wong, Finance Director Greg Rogers, Planning Services Manager Debbie Chamberlain, Senior Civil Engineer Detlef Curtis, Senior Traffic Engineer Phil Agostini, District Engineer/Division Manager Maria Robinson, Community Services Division Manager John Skeel, Transportation Manager Lisa Bobadilla, and Interim City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

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Mayor Wilson announced that the Council met in closed session pursuant to Government Code §54956.8 – to confer with its real property negotiators, Moustefa Kendroud, and Associated Right of Way Services regarding the price for a portion of the following identified properties: APN 213-010-024 – Owners: Eshleman & Quontamatteo, APN 213-010-025 – Owners: Eshleman & Quontamatteo, APN 213-010-026 – Owners: Eshleman & Quontamatteo,
APN 213-010-027 – Owners: Eshleman & Quontamatteo, APN 213-010-038 – Owners: Breall Williams S/TE & Ann, APN 213-010-039 – Owners: Breall Williams S/TE & Ann, APN 218-111-006 – Owners: Allan A. and Beverly M. Sebanc. The Council gave instructions to the City’s negotiator.

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Chief Kathy Samuels led the Council, staff, and those in the audience in the pledge of allegiance.

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Mayor Wilson asked if there were any changes or additions to the agenda. The Interim City Clerk noted there were none.

Mayor Wilson asked if there were any changes or additions to the Boards, Committee and Commission meetings schedule. The Interim City Clerk noted that the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Liaison meeting is scheduled for Friday, April 8, at 8:00 a.m. at City Hall.

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Mayor Wilson acknowledged the members of the California High School Mock Trial Team, their teacher-coach Elizabeth Metcalf, and Ellen Rosenbluth, their attorney coach. Sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation, this year’s case involved illegal drag racing which resulted in the death of a student. The students work from October to March to prepare their case. They assume the various roles of` attorneys, witnesses, court clerks, bailiffs, etc. in a real courtroom in Martinez. California High School took third place in the competition against other schools in the County. Mayor Wilson thanked the teachers, volunteers and students who participated.

Recognizing Chi Nguyen - Scholarship Recipient of the Target Department Stores "Start Something" Program

Mayor Wilson presented Chi Nguyen with a proclamation acknowledging her contributions to the community. Ms. Nguyen thanked her parents and the community for their support. She reported that her March concert raised $8,500 for the street children in Vietnam. Mayor Wilson stated that additional donations would be accepted at City Hall. They will be given to Ms. Nguyen and forwarded to the VN Help organization which coordinates donations.

Carol Lopez, Chair of the Parks and Community Services (PCSC) Commission, presented the award to Jeff Tomasich. She thanked him for his exceptional service to the community as a student member of the PCSC for the past two years. He received the Outstanding Commissioner Award for 2004 from the California Association of Park Commissioners and Board Members. The Mayor thanked Mr. Tomasich for representing San Ramon. Mr. Tomasich thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve and work with City staff. He appreciated the opportunity to learn parliamentary procedure and be involved in the planning of the new community center in Dougherty Valley.

Mrs. Lopez recognized Chuck Tabor, San Ramon Symphonic Band Leader, as a "Champion of the Community Award" Winner from the California Parks and Recreation Society. Mr. Tabor is the volunteer founder, director, recruiter and conductor for the Symphonic Band. The Band has 72 members who perform six free concerts annually. Since 1987, Mr. Tabor has volunteered over 9,000 hours. The Band played their 100^th concert in the Spring of 2004. Mayor Wilson noted how fortunate San Ramon is to have live musical performances. He thanked Mr. Tabor for his dedication to the cultural arts in San Ramon and thanked the Band for their dedication to the community. Mr. Tabor thanked the community for this recognition and the opportunity to perform for them. He noted that 12 of the 13 original Band members are still involved. He invited City families to attend their concert on May 20, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. in the Community Center.

The Parks and Community Services Department received the following awards at the California and Pacific Southwest Recreation and Park Training Conference: the National Recreation and Parks Association Pacific Southwest Regional Council Program of Excellence Award for the "Go Card" Affinity Marketing Program and the California Parks and Recreation Society Aging Section Showcase Award for the San Ramon Senior Center, Senior Scholar Program.

Jeff Eorio, Parks and Community Service Director, introduced Nancy Kaiser, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Oakley. She is also chair of the National Recreation and Parks Association Pacific Southwest Region. Ms. Kaiser presented Mayor Wilson with the Excellence Award. The Department was recognized for its outstanding leadership and customer service. Mayor Wilson noted that this is the City’s first win at the national level. He thanked staff for making this award possible.

Mr. Eorio reported that the City won first place for the Senior Scholar program. Carol Lopez presented the Mayor with the Showcase Award. This program provides tutoring for elementary and middle school students and enables children to touch base with mature adults in a one-on-one situation. Mayor Wilson remarked that it was gratifying to have City staff who thought ‘outside of the box’ to make these programs possible.

Phil Wong, Planning Services Director, introduced Sara Bortolussi, Associate Planner and P.J. Sekhon, Transportation Specialist. Chief Kathy Samuels introduced Craig Cooper, Crime Prevention Specialist. Economic Development Director, Marc Fontes, introduced Catherine Mattos, Office Technician II. Mayor Wilson presented each of the new employees with a City pin.

Chief Kathy Samuels was recognized by Mayor Wilson with a proclamation for her service to the City. She received a standing ovation from the audience. Chief Samuels commented that she was glad to have ended her career in San Ramon. As one of her final duties, she will be the keynote speaker at the April 9, 2005 "She’s All That" girls conference at Iron Horse Middle School.

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The Interim City Clerk noted there were no requests to speak under Public Comment.

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Vice Mayor Livingstone’s motion to approve the March 8, 2005 minutes was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0.

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Ellen Rosenbluth addressed concerns regarding the Open Space and Conservation Advisory Committee’s (OSCAC) By-Laws. She asked the Council to remove the completion date from the proposed by-laws. She felt that the date was not appropriate for the By-Laws and should be included in the Committee’s Work Plan. She questioned if the date was a notation or a sunset date for the Committee. Cm. Hudson asked if the Committee minutes are done by a Committee member. Mr. Eorio replied affirmatively.

Vice Mayor Livingstone asked staff to respond to Ms. Rosenbluth’s comment.

Mr. Eorio stated that the inclusion of the date was not typical for committee by-laws. Cm. Hudson suggested removing Article VII D from the By-Laws and including it in the Work Plan. Cm. Perkins suggested striking the last sentence in Article VII D which would leave the task in place but remove the date. The City Attorney suggested that the wording read "by November of each year". Cm. Perkins stated that this is not an annual task and may be repeated as necessary. Cm. Rowley suggested "annually as needed".

Vice Mayor Livingstone concurred with Cm. Perkins. Cm. Perkins’ motion to delete the last sentence in Article VII D and to approve consent items 8.1 through 8.7 was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 5-0. Cm. Rowley requested that the Parks Commission notify the OSCAC of the timeline for information required in
Article VII D.

Resolution No. 2005-33 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Contract with Pacific Bell Telephone Company as SBC California (SBC) for Relocating the Existing Undergrounded Utilities on South Side of Crow Canyon Road from Crow Canyon Place to Camino Ramon as Part of the Crow Canyon Corridor Improvement Phase I – Rule 20B Utility Undergrounding Project (CIP Nos. 7127 and 7130) for an Amount not to Exceed $140,252.23.

Resolution No. 2005-34 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Contract with Pacific Bell Telephone Company as SBC California (SBC) for Undergrounding the Existing Overhead Utilities on North Side of Crow Canyon Road from Crow Canyon Place to Iron Horse Trail as Part of the Crow Canyon Corridor Improvement Phase I – Rule 20B Utility Undergrounding Project (CIP Nos. 7127 and 7130) for an Amount not to Exceed $104,374.70.

Resolution No. 2005-35 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Contract with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for Relocating the Existing Undergrounded Utilities on the South Side of Crow Canyon Road from Crow Canyon Place to Camino Ramon as Part of the Crow Canyon Corridor Improvement Phase I – Rule 20B Utility Undergrounding Project (CIP Nos. 7127 and 7130) for an Amount not to Exceed $133,962.00.

Resolution No. 2005-36 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Contract with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for Undergrounding the Existing Overhead Utilities on the North Side of Crow Canyon Road From Crow Canyon Place to Iron Horse Trail as Part of the Crow Canyon Corridor Improvement Phase I – Rule 20B Utility Undergrounding Project (CIP Nos. 7127 and 7130) for an Amount not to Exceed $488,803.64.

Resolution No. 2005-40 – Authorizing the Mayor to Send a Letter to Contra Costa County Expressing San Ramon’s Interest in a County Feasibility Study to Acquire Pacific Gas & Electric Owned Streetlights.

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Mayor Wilson called a five minute recess at 8:00 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:13 p.m. with all Council members in attendance.

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Planning Services Manager Debbie Chamberlain gave the introduction to the second public hearing. She summarized the issues resulting from the March 8, 2005 meeting which included: school impacts, how the open space will be protected in the future, drainage, creation of the cul-de-sac, and visual impacts. She informed the Council that City, Fire Department, and School District staff were available to address these issues and answer questions. She asked Council to consider staff recommendations, take testimony and provide direction to staff.

Senior Civil Engineer Detlef Curtis addressed the drainage issues. He reviewed the County’s actions. In 1980, the County required the developer to install drainage pipes and catchment areas. The location of those pipes and catchment areas were included in the drainage easements and offered to the County. The County never accepted the easements or did the maintenance. Mr. Curtis recommended that the easements be accepted by the City as an offer, conveyed at the time of the final map to the developer, who will include them in the home owners association’s (HOA) CC&Rs. He added that the access easements are not necessary and recommended that the City reject them. He reviewed how the runoff from the project proceeds through the development and travels to the south San Ramon Creek.

Vice Mayor Livingstone asked if staff felt the drainage is adequate. Mr. Curtis responded that the drainage is adequate. He added that staff does not recommend a surface detention system because of the hill environment and instead recommends underground storage.

Cm. Perkins inquired who is financially responsible for maintaining the detention basin and drainage easement. Mr. Curtis responded that it would be the responsibility of the new home owners association for Old Ranch Estates II.

Mayor Wilson questioned the difference between the City and County initial approvals. Mr. Curtis replied that if the City had been in control, it would not have allowed easements to be offered because the City did not have any maintenance facilities above the property. The County also allows offers to be made and then does not accept them. Mayor Wilson expressed concern that the residents would have major problems in 10 years. Mr. Curtis said that they would not.

Senior Traffic Engineer Phil Agostini addressed the issues concerning the Timbercreek Road cul-de-sac. He noted that an EIR was done for the Project. The EIR consultant looked at various options to negate traffic impact. Mr. Agostini reviewed the options which were considered. He said that there are two key issues: the impact of the project into neighborhoods; and the Timbercreek Road residents’ concerns with speeding and the increase in traffic volume circulation alternatives. The Timbercreek Road cul-de-sac addresses both of these issues. He added that staff provided additional design modifications which include a separate left hand turn lane into Timbercreek, an acceleration lane, provisions for site/distance standards especially, and a traffic signal. If the need for a traffic signal is established, there is a 2 year provision requiring the developer to provide the signal at their cost. Mayor Wilson asked what the City’s requirement is for canopy clearance. Mr. Agostini replied that the standard is 8 feet from the found level to the first tree branch.

Mayor Wilson asked what communications were sent to neighbors regarding the cul-de-sac plan. Ms. Chamberlain noted that the public hearing notice for the January 18, 2005 Planning Commission and the March 8, 2005 City Council meetings included the identification of a cul-de-sac for Timbercreek Road in the project description.

Cm. Perkins asked if they considered the inclusion of break away bollards for EVA access at Timbercreek Road. Mr. Agostini deferred to the Fire Department.

Cm. Perkins asked if consideration was given to installing a traffic light at Old Ranch Road and Old Ranch Estates. Mr. Agostini replied that it was addressed in the EIR but at the present time does not meet the City’s warrants. It is included in the five-year CIP as part of the monitoring program. Cm. Perkins asked if installation of a traffic light at Old Ranch Road and Old Ranch Estates Drive would help the Timbercreek Road egress. Mr. Agostini responded that it would depend on the time of day. Currently, the accident history is 2 accidents in a 5 year window which is considered low.

Ms. Chamberlain addressed the issue of protection of open space. She noted that Conditions of Approval A46 requires the applicant to deed development rights for the open space to the City. The potential also exists for the development of a GHAD to maintain the open space. Mayor Wilson asked about the possibility of changing the open space designation. Ms. Chamberlain stated that she was not aware of any situation in which the City has taken the deeds to development rights and returned them for development. With regard to the General Plan amendments for open space, the procedure is very difficult and includes the same process that Davidon is pursuing. Ms. Chamberlain remarked that the deeding of development rights or the General Plan designation of open space is one of the strongest mechanisms that can be placed on a property to control future development.

Cm. Perkins asked, in evaluating the project for emergency access, if the Fire Department’s opinion is that the Timbercreek cul-de-sac would hamper access. San Ramon Valley Fire Department representative, Mike Mentink, responded that all options identified in the EIR and all subsequent suggestions are acceptable to the Fire Department. Cm. Perkins asked which fire stations would respond. Mr. Mentink replied that apparatus from stations #39, #34 and #30 would be available. Cm. Perkins asked if Mr. Mentink had experience with break away bollards. Mr. Mentink said that he had no experience with break away bollards but that the Fire Department had no issue with them.

Mayor Wilson asked if changing the Timbercreek Road cul-de-sac was a danger to residents. Mr. Mentink responded that the Fire Department’s primary access is Old Ranch Road. He stated that the biggest hazard for a major incident is a grass fire. He added that the grass would need to be maintained to mitigate this fire danger and noted that a maintenance plan has been identified to mitigate this danger. He added that because of the width of the road, the likelihood of a totally blocked access is low. If an accident blocked the Fire Department, they could access through the EVA. Mayor Wilson asked if the Fire Department would have any problems in a ‘worse case scenario’. Mr. Mentink stated that the Fire Department would not concur with the cul-de-sacs option unless they felt that it was safe.

Mayor Wilson asked about the school impact of the project. Jim Cerreta, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services for the School District, replied that the 60 homes would generate about 48 students or 4 students per grade level. This increase would not place a significant impact on any school. Additionally, there are diversion schools and new schools are opening in Dougherty Valley. Mayor Wilson commented that School Boards do not generally accurately estimate enrollment. Mr. Cerreta replied that Districts are traditionally conservative with enrollment projections in order to protect the financial stability of the schools. He added that the District has hired professional demographers to improve their projections. He reported that the demographer’s projections are only slightly higher than what the District has estimated. Mayor Wilson thanked the SRVUSD for the exceptional scholastics in the district.

Cm. Perkins asked Mr. Thayer when the earliest homeowner occupancy for the project would occur. Mr. Thayer said that the earliest that homes would be occupied would be by late summer 2006. Cm. Perkins reviewed the time lines for housing versus school projects. Cm. Rowley thanked the District for their financial stability.

James Asher remarked that he is opposed to the Davidon II development. He feels that the addition of several hundred vehicle trips on Timbercreek from Old Ranch II and Old Ranch I would be a nightmare. Compounding this would be construction vehicles and vehicles accessing the park. He observed that the previous meetings created the cul-de-sac with EVA and now people are opposed to the Timbercreek Road closure. He asked where they were during the Planning Commission’s prior discussions. He felt that their statement that one entry/exit poses a danger is absurd. He believes that the EVA approved by the Fire Department and the City addresses the issue. He felt that people now object to the project not because of safety or disaster concerns but because of the inconvenience they might experience from Old Ranch Estates. He asked Council to retain the cul-de-sac plan as approved by City staff and Davidon.

Paul Didas stated that he supports the project as proposed by the Planning Commission and Davidon. He said that the original proposal to have access off Timbercreek Road significantly increased traffic at peak morning and peak evening times. He opposes elimination of the cul-de-sac. If that happens, he remarked that the project should return to the Planning Commission for review. Vice Mayor Livingstone asked if the project was acceptable with the cul-de-sac. Mr. Didas responded affirmatively.

Andrea Elder expressed concerns with blocking off Timbercreek Road. She said that the 40 homes in Bent Creek Valley and 136 Old Ranch Estate homes use Timbercreek Road. She was concerned about having only one way in/out for an estimated 350 or more cars. She was also concerned with the impact of a fire or earthquake. She noted that the Fire Department recommendation for 150 homes is 2 ways in and out and an EVA. She submitted a petition with 72 signatures concerned with having only one way in and out.

Sam Lemon commented that he exits Old Ranch Estates via Timbercreek Road. He noted that the only residents and delivery people use that intersection. While he acknowledged that the cul-de-sac is an inconvenience, he felt that if this is the price residents must pay so that Davidon can develop their property. He supported the addition of 54 quality homes. He supported Davidon using the cul-de-sac with the caveat that the two intersections of Timbercreek Road/Old Ranch Road and Old Ranch Estates Drive/Bent Creek Drive be given careful attention regarding traffic control.

Bill Prewitt opposes the project and expressed concern regarding the Timbercreek cul-de-sac. He felt that this will create major congestion and asked that the Council reconsider Timbercreek Road as a cul-de-sac.

Diane Schinnerer supports the home development and stated that she understands the Timbercreek Road neighbors’ concerns. She added that the solution for teenagers racing through Sunny Glen was a break away gate. She supported a break away exit and asked that the Council take into consideration all emergency possibilities not only fire.

Pat Tuohy urged the Council to save time to discuss, in detail, the way the Council plans to maintain the open space. He is concerned that the property be held in a fashion that will be secure from outside influence. He stated that now is the ideal opportunity to create the preservation vehicle to protect the open space from outside influences.

Larry Berlin commended the City staff for their work on this project. He suggested that the residents trust City staff regarding their work and recommendations. He added that some open space in the City is not usable but that this open space would be an asset because it will be accessible to the citizens. He recognized Davidon’s right to develop the site and feels that this project is an asset to the City.

Scott Armanini complimented the City on the turnout. He respects the fact that some neighbors did not participate earlier and acknowledged that the important point is that they are coming now. He asked who carries the costs for traffic safety and congestion costs. He thought that the issue is more one of safety than a primary artery. He commented that breakable barriers are not the solution. He supports the project as he feels that Davidon builds great developments. He added that if their proposal includes a cul-de-sac, then the neighbors will learn to live with it. He suggested that the traffic problem could be mitigated with a traffic light.

Ted Fagenson stated that he is just starting in the process. He noted that when he bought his home in 1995, Davidon gave him the in/out access. He asked the Council not to change the access. He felt that Old Ranch not Timbercreek should be responsible for the traffic impact. He observed that the people who buy homes on a cul-de-sac, corner, or thoroughfare have traffic expectations. He suggested that the solution is to handle the speed problem and put the exit on Old Ranch Road.

Simon Clephan stated his opposition to changing the zoning from agriculture to residential. He does support the acquisition of open space for San Ramon. He is concerned about traffic and supports the project if Timbercreek Drive becomes a cul-de-sac. He requested that the project divert traffic to the main thoroughfare instead of the residential street. He asked the Council vote for the project.

Farrokh Khodadadi stated that he has attended about 90% of the previous meetings. He was fundamentally opposed to the project. He noted that the process demonstrates that the community can work together with the developer. He added that the current plan is not an ideal solution but a good compromise. He preferred that the traffic be diverted to a main artery and not to a surface street. He felt it was important to focus on how to manage the open space, its use by the community, and its maintenance. He did not feel that there would be an alarming amount of traffic. He suggested that the Council listen to the Fire Department’s opinion regarding the potential hazards of the cul-de-sac. He thought that creating the cul-de-sac would eliminate speeders and people who use this road as a short cut. He supports the cul-de-sac.

George Pagano opposes the Timbercreek cul-de-sac. He was concerned about the two developments (176 homes) having one exit and one entrance. He added that this is not a reasonable solution. He noted that the Timbercreek Road egress has always existed and supported the review of Old Ranch Road or Alcosta as a thoroughfare option.

Michelle Madruga noted that she is a new participant. She expressed concern about the Timbercreek cul-de-sac proposal. She added that if you bought a home on Timbercreek Road, you expected a thoroughfare. Therefore, she does not support Timbercreek Road as a cul-de-sac. She suggested pursuing Alcosta or Old Ranch Road as the thoroughfare.

Jim Delano identified speed and traffic as the issues. He questioned studies within the development, the egress for Bent Creek, and the speeding problems on Timbercreek Road. He recommended studying other options to decrease speed. He asked for assurances that the open space would be maintained when the developer is gone and questioned who will maintain it. He asked whether the first or last homeowner establishes the occupancy criteria for a traffic light. He suggested considering a four way stop and asked why the stop light could not be put in now by the developer. He requested that the City conceptualize the plans for the open space now rather than later. He wondered if the City will have the funds to develop the open space versus the developer. Cm. Perkins responded that one of the Conditions of Approval is that Davidon will install a trail in the open space and the deed restrictions will preclude any development. The responsibility for the park is Davison’s per the Conditions of Approval.

Jeffrey Hiller left before making his comments.

Mayor Wilson commented that it is difficult to like developments but that we must face reality and what is best for San Ramon. He learned from Dougherty Valley and promised that each question and request will be answered. He added that it is the Council’s responsibility to make the best decisions for San Ramon. He added that he understands what the neighbors are going through and emphasized the importance of their interaction.

Jeff Thayer, Vice President of Davidon Homes, stated that the cul-de-sac was a compromise solution. He informed the Council that Davidon had looked at other options to minimize the impact of traffic from the project. Timbercreek Road did not want the additional traffic from the Old Ranch II project and the cul-de-sac solution ensures that no traffic will come from Old Ranch Estates. This will be an efficient addition to the traffic going through Old Ranch Drive. He added that it is not a perfect solution but a trade off and one that creates less impact on Old Ranch Estates Drive. He noted that safety is a primary consideration. Although he felt that the cul-de-sac is the best solution, he expressed a willingness to work with the City to explore the use of break-aways.

Cm. Hudson stated that the Council is not closing the Public Hearing at this meeting because the third public hearing will be conducted at the next Council meeting. He remarked that "This is not a done deal." He added that this is the first test of the City’s General Plan requiring a very high threshold of 4/5 vote by the Planning Commission and 4/5 vote by the City Council. He remarked that the Old Ranch Road and Alcosta options were not good solutions. He reminded those present that those options would require returning to the Planning Commission for their approval vote.

Mayor Wilson remarked that the Council would challenge the system if they felt that this was not a good project for the City.

Vice Mayor Livingstone thanked the citizens for attending. He observed that the speakers addressed traffic and cul-de-sac issues rather than the houses. He asked staff to address controlling the speed of traffic inside the project and the impact of traffic at Old Ranch Estates if Timbercreek Road becomes a cul-de-sac. He noted that several streets in the City have slowed traffic by using speed humps and suggested this as an option for traffic control.

Cm. Rowley thanked the citizens for their comments.

Mayor Wilson promised that staff will address speed and traffic concerns. He continued the public hearing to the April 12, 2005 Council meeting. Cm. Hudson reminded Council of the questions raised concerning open space. Mayor Wilson said that all issues raised will be addressed. Cm. Hudson’s motion to continue the public hearing to the April 12, 2005 Council meeting was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 5-0.

The Interim City Clerk noted the written communication (from James Eaneman against the cul-de-sac) and emails (from Sharon Gilbreth against the cul-de-sac; and concerns from the Valley at Bent Creek Homeowners Association) had been received regarding the project.

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Mayor Wilson called a five minute recess at 9:55 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:04 p.m. with all Council members in attendance.

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When the meeting reconvened, Mayor Wilson returned to item 9.1 to formally close the Public Hearing and continue the item to the April 12, 2005 Council meeting. The City Attorney noted that three public hearings are required by Measure G and that the procedure requires that the Mayor close rather than continue each Public Hearing.

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Resolution No. 2005-38 – Approval of Fees and Charges for Fiscal Year 2005-06. Greg Rogers, Finance Director, requested that the Council introduce the Fee Schedule and schedule a public hearing for the April 26, 2005 Council meeting. He reviewed the fee changes suggested by staff and approved by the Finance Committee on March 9, 2005. The changes requested by the Finance Committee to the Draft Fee Schedule included reducing the fingerprinting fee from $25 to $15 for residents. Mayor Wilson requested that the lower fee be applied to any teachers teaching in San Ramon. Mr. Rogers will check with the Police Department regarding the feasibility of this change.

Other fee changes included increasing the marriage ceremony fee from $25 to $50. The use permits for family day care versus group care homes was split into two separate fees. He added that there were no changes in parking violation fees per Police Department review. Traffic Impact Fees were discussed and it was decided to bring recommended changes to the Council at a later date.

For 2005-06, the proposed fee increases will result in estimated revenue increases of $75,000 for the Planning Department and $76,000 for the Parks and Community Services Department. The impact on other City departments is nominal.

The Council discussed the card room fees relating to annual application fee, annual license fee and employee related fees. Cm. Perkins requested clarification on the card room appeal application fee versus the annual license fee. He clarified that the application fee is not an annual fee. He asked for clarification on the Community Center Rental Rates relative to the titles "Non-Profit/Co-Sponsored" and "Non-Profit or Co-Sponsored". The Parks and Community Services Director reported that he will get clarification for the Council.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to introduce the 2005-06 Fee Schedule and schedule a public hearing for the April 26, 2005 Council meeting was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 5-0.

The Parks and Community Services Director, Jeff Eorio, stated that the Roadside Memorial Policy was drafted in response to community incidents. He noted that the lack of City policy and enforcement hampered the City with regard to public right of ways. He said that the policies from several cities were reviewed and the one from Antioch was used as a basis for San Ramon’s policy. He reviewed the procedures and timelines outlined in the proposed policy. He added that he had received input from the Police and Public Works Departments in preparing the draft policy. Cm. Rowley complimented staff and added that the policy was well crafted.

Pat Grady, a five year chaplain with the Police Department, requested that the Council postpone its approval for the proposed policy. She said that she had just learned about the policy. She asked for a delay so that the other chaplains could review and discuss the policy. Mayor Wilson asked if the policy was time sensitive. Mr. Eorio responded that it was not. Ms. Grady noted that a chaplain meeting was scheduled for April 29, 2005 but that an emergency meeting could be called if needed. Mayor Wilson requested that the chaplains meet, inform staff of their concerns, and that comments be prepared for the April 12, 2005 Council meeting. Mayor Wilson closed the public hearing.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to continue discussion of the Roadside Memorial policy to the April 12, 2005 meeting was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 5-0.

Cm. Rowley informed the public that there are opportunities to establish memorials at Memorial Park and asked that this be incorporated into the policy. Mayor Wilson added that there were also opportunities at the Senior Center to honor loved ones.

Lisa Bobadilla, Transportation Services Manager, gave an overview of the process involved in developing the San Ramon Draft Transit Plan. She acknowledged the contributions of Tom McClean, Chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), and the contributions of the TAC to the Plan. She introduced Doug Langille, Senior Principal for Nelson Nygaard Associates, who assisted in the development of the Plan.

Ms. Bobadilla gave an overview of the Transit Plan. She stated that currently there is no bus service in south or south west San Ramon. At the February 19, 2004 County Connection Board meeting, San Ramon requested a review and update of their Basic Level of Service Policy. She noted that there are no plans to provide bus service to Dougherty Valley. The Dougherty Valley settlement agreement requires developers to fund the Dougherty Valley transit feasibility study. She reminded Council that Resolution 2004-93 passed in June 2004 states the City’s intent to terminate its participation with the County Connection.

In summarizing the existing transit service, she noted that service is heavily focused on peak hour travel with connections to BART and ACE. The remaining service is limited regional connectivity. Several reports and studies have been completed which analyze San Ramon transit and coordinating transit service. The Transit Plan included the input from a variety of stakeholders (including seniors, students, low income, commuters, disabled persons, etc.) in order to establish transit priorities. These stakeholders identified transit issues including that transit service: is essential to San Ramon’s economic development; should be cost-effective; should include the needs of neighborhoods and Dougherty Valley; etc. ABAG estimates that the increase in population growth for San Ramon will be 30.9% from 2005 to 2015. The job growth for the same time period is estimated to increase by 27.9%.

Mr. Langille presented the Plan’s service strategy elements. The service strategies include two core packages and optional service elements. He reviewed how the individual components of each core package could work together to complement each other. He reviewed the estimated operating costs and stated that TDA/STA funds were available but not assured. The Transit Plan identifies a variety of funding sources including federal, regional, local and other. He added that delays in Plan implementation could be expected due to the purchase of equipment, access to funds, etc. He recommended that new service be introduced on an 18-24 month pilot basis.

In summary, Ms. Bobadilla requested the Council’s comments and feedback to be incorporated into the final Plan. She will distribute the final Plan to the CCTA, MTC, stakeholders, LVATA and TAC. Staff will present the final report to the County Connection Policy Advisory Committee Board and staff.

Vice Mayor Livingstone questioned the cost of contract buses. Mr. Langille described how the process would work and that it would increase the operating budget but not the capital expense budget. Vice Mayor Livingstone stated that CCTA does not currently realize a 20% fare box. Mr. Langille responded that as traffic increases and people pay for parking, it would be feasible to meet or exceed the 20% fare box. Vice Mayor Livingstone asked long it would take to realize this. Mr. Langille said 2 to 3 years.

Ms. Bobadilla added that Bishop Ranch has a full time transportation manager who is very aggressive and has helped to keep the 960 and 970 service routes due to their transit plan and marketing outreach. She added that with a very aggressive transit plan, the City should be able to increase the number of riders on public transit via seniors, youth and Dougherty Valley riders.

Cm. Perkins asked about the city based transit systems built by Newark and Union City. Ms. Bobadilla replied that Union City always had its own transit system and never belonged to the AC transit service district. She added that Elk Grove is removing itself from the RTA and using a third party transit provider for local and regional needs.

Cm. Perkins commented that San Ramon’s success depends on extracting TDA funds from MTC. Ms. Bobadilla responded that CCTA has reviewed the preliminary transit report and may make modifications to Route 121 and may consider service to Dougherty Valley but they have not yet guaranteed service or identified a funding source. Cm. Perkins was concerned that CCTA would streamline 121 service and the City would get nothing on 259 service. Cm. Hudson felt that Package 2, Alternate 2, would be important to include due to the high density of housing. He encouraged aggressive marketing.

Philip Reed, San Ramon’s representative to the Accessible Services Committee at CCTA, noted that there was excellent paratransit service in central county. Although there is no fixed route to Dougherty Valley; there is paratransit service. He reported that CCTA is legally required to pick up people within 3/4 mile of an existing route. He felt that CCTA provides good service to San Ramon and that it would be a mistake for the City to get into the business of providing transit service due to the potential complications of Measures C and J. He encouraged the City to continue its discussions with CCTA. If the City decides to operate its own bus system, he recommended that against purchasing large buses but instead recommended 18-25 passenger buses and connecting the City’s system to the San Ramon Transit Center.

Cm. Rowley expressed concern about the cost and suggested small buses, local service and addressing the issues of transportation to schools, shopping, etc. Mayor Wilson said that the City is always seeking to embrace alternatives and work with all agencies to achieve a solution for San Ramon so that the City could determine its own destiny. He directed staff to prepare a Final Report.

The City Manager reminded the Council that the Budget Workshop would be held on March 23, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.

* * * *

Mayor Wilson thanked the California Music Educators Association for giving him the 2005 Legislative Leadership Award. He thanked staff, residents, and teachers for embracing music in the schools. He noted that music in schools creates a positive difference in children and everyday life. He noted that this is the first year that CMEA has chosen a local administrator and thanked Cheryl Yee for nominating him.

There being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 11:32 p.m.

Signed:
H. Abram Wilson, Mayor
Patricia Edwards, Interim City Clerk

Approved at the April 12, 2005 City Council meeting, 5-0.