MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held June 14, 2005 at 7:10 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2222 Camino Ramon, Mayor Wilson presiding.

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

ABSENT: Councilmember Rowley.

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Herb Moniz, City Attorney Byron Athan, Police Chief Scott Holder, Parks and Community Services Program Manager Kathi Heimann, Parks and Community Services Program Manager Steve Piersol, Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio, Public Works Administrative Manager Dorn Driggs, Community Services Division Manager John Skeel, Information Technology Division Manager Stephen Keagy, and 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, Herb Moniz and Jeff Eorio, regarding the following identified properties:
APN 223-200-054. No action was taken.

Members of Cub Scout Pack 841 from Walt Disney Elementary School led the Council, staff, and those in the audience in the pledge of allegiance. The Cub Scouts distributed flags to those in the audience in honor of Flag Day.

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Mayor Wilson asked if there were any changes or additions to the agenda. The 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 City Clerk noted that the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for June 21^st was canceled. However, a Zoning Ordinance Workshop will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber.

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Special Recognition of Art and Wind Festival Sponsors: Chevron/Texaco, San Ramon Regional Medical Center, Fox Realty, ClubSport, Preferred Financial, Windemere, San Ramon Marriott, Contra Costa Times, KKIQ, Comcast.

Parks and Community Services Program Manager Kathi Heimann reported that the crowd at this year’s Festival numbered approximately 70,000. She noted that the event would not have been possible without the support of corporate and supporting sponsors. Major sponsors included: Chevron/Texaco, San Ramon Regional Medical Center, Fox Realty, ClubSport, Preferred Financial, Windemere, San Ramon Marriott, Contra Costa Times, KKIQ, and Comcast. Seven supporting sponsors included: All Season Sun Room, Chinese Medical Center, Dr. Hofstetter Chiropractic, El Dorado Ranch, Integrity Chiropractic, Kitchen Connection, and SBC. This year’s donations included $20,000 in cash and $45,000 in in-kind services. Mayor Wilson presented a framed print and large gift bag to Amy Sarubbi and Jim Burt. Ms. Sarubbi, representing Preferred Financial, thanked the City for the opportunity to participate in the event. Mr. Burt, representing Comcast, remarked that he enjoyed the event especially the balloon ascension.

Announcement of All Wars Memorial Essay Scholarship Winners.

Mayor Wilson introduced the pilot program implemented at California High School. It is the Cal High History Club in conjunction with the All Wars Memorial (AWM) Essay Contest and Scholarship Fund. David Behring, president of the AWM Foundation, thanked the Council for hosting the scholarship award ceremony. He acknowledged the veterans in the audience. He stated that the primary mission of the AWM is to honor all veterans from all wars and their families. One of the objectives is to involve the schools in writing about the veterans.

Mark Corti, California High School Principal, reviewed the history of the project. The "Freedom Shrine", a collection of 30 historical documents, was placed on campus and with the collaboration of the Social Studies Department, the project began and the History Club was formed. The Club met weekly to learn about the AWM through the living and discussed the Freedom Shrine documents.

Mr. Behring acknowledged the financial support of PG&E and SBC. SBC is sponsoring the Freedom Shrines which will be installed at six schools. PG&E provided scholarship funds. PG&E representative George Opacic remarked that they are proud to be involved in this project and the community. He invited other corporate sponsors to get involved in this excellent, successful program.

Danville Vice Mayor Karen Stepper thanked San Ramon for supporting this pilot program. She introduced the officers of the History Club and presented members with a replica of the New England Primer. She acknowledged the contributions of Tom Hawkins, VFW Post 75, the Exchange Club, and the contest judges. The topic for this year’s essay was "Freedom is not Free and Every Generation is Called in the Struggle for Freedom". Winners were presented with certificates recognizing them for their academic achievement and good citizenship. Third place winners, Jeffrey Spahn and Anand Badri, received a $250 scholarship. Kyle Levy was the second place winner and received a $1,000 scholarship. First place was awarded to Kayla Asbell who received a $1,500 scholarship. Mayor Wilson and stated that their goal is to expand the program to other high schools in the valley.

Recognition of the California High School Track and Field Team, 5th Place, CIF California State Meet; East Bay Athletic League Champions; North Coast Section / Tri-Valley Section Champions; North Coast Section Meet of Champions, 2^nd Place Team; and David Klech, State Champion 300 Hurdles; 2^nd Place 110 High Hurdles; 3^rd Place Long Jump.

Parks and Community Services Program Manager Steve Piersol, a volunteer coach for the Track Team recognized the accomplishments of the California High School Track and Field Team. Mayor Wilson presented the team members with a certificate acknowledging their achievements. Mike Shimansky, a track meet starter, acknowledged the quality of the California High School coaches. Mr. Piersol enumerated the awards that David Klech has received this year. Mr. Piersol thanked the Council for their support in installing the all-weather track which he felt contributed to the team’s success. Mayor Wilson thanked Mr. Shimansky for his contributions to the San Ramon community.

Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio introduced Becky Adams, Recreation Technician, and Adam Chow, Recreation Technician. Mayor Wilson presented each of the new employees with a City pin.

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The City Clerk noted that no City Council appointments were scheduled for this meeting.

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There were no requests to speak under Public Comment.

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Cm. Perkins’ motion to approve the corrected May 10, 2005 minutes was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed
3-0. Vice Mayor Livingstone abstained.

Cm. Perkins’ motion to approve the May 24, 2005 minutes with corrections noted by Vice Mayor Livingstone was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 4-0.

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Vice Mayor Livingstone’s motion to approve consent calendar items 8.1 through 8.11, excluding item 8.9, was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 4-0.

Resolution No. 2005-74 Designating the City of San Ramon Finance Director as the District Treasurer for Geologic Hazard Abatement District No. 1990-01 (GHAD).

Resolution No. 2005-75 Accepting Certain Road and Stormdrain Improvements in Subdivision 8563 for Maintenance (Shapell Industries/Gallery at Gale Ranch).

Resolution No. 2005-76 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with BKF Engineers for Surveying and Miscellaneous Civil Engineering Services for the Period Between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2007 in an Amount not to Exceed $350,000.

Resolution No. 2005-77 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Consolidated Engineering Laboratories for Materials Testing and Construction Inspection Services for the Period Between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2007 in an Amount not to Exceed $250,000.

Resolution No. 2005-78 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with ENGEO, Inc. for Geotechnical Engineering Consulting Services for the Period Between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2007 in an Amount not to Exceed $300,000.

Resolution No. 2005-79 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Kleinfelder, Inc. for Geotechnical Engineering Consulting Services for the Period Between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2007 in an Amount not to Exceed $300,000.

Resolution No. 2005-80 Authorizing the County Clerk’s Office to Administer the November 8, 2005 Municipal Election.

Resolution No. 2005-82 Authorizing Mayor to Rescind the Notice of Termination to Central Contra Costa Transit Authority.

Resolution No. 2005-83 Approving the Annual Adjustment to the Tri-Valley Transportation Development Fee.

Resolution No. 2005-81 Supporting the Efforts to Develop a New Cemetery in the Tassajara Valley (Creekside Memorial Park) to Serve the Tri-Valley.

The City Clerk read an email from Ron Bonavito stating that the residents and friends of Tassajara Valley do not want a graveyard in the area. Included was a petition opposing the cemetery with over 100 signatures. Two other handouts were provided by Bill Newman. Mayor Wilson opened public comment.

Harriett Newman discussed the financial aspects of the cemetery. She remarked that San Ramon will have access to the cemetery without it being in the City’s backyard. She asked the Council to consider the residents of the unincorporated Tri-Valley area and expressed concern about the conservation of open space, ridgeline, availability of water and the crematorium.

Sam Slack reported that in less than two hours, he secured 50 signatures on a petition against the cemetery. He assured the Council that given more time, he could collect many more signatures against this project. He admitted that he did not realize the seriousness of the cemetery project or the possibility that the project might succeed.

Vice Mayor Livingstone asked Mr. Slack if he knew that this project was not located in San Ramon and where he would suggest that a local cemetery be located. Mr. Slack suggested Livermore because there are more desolate areas in that city and water might be more available. He added that cemeteries utilize a lot of water which is in short supply in the Tassajara Valley. Vice Mayor Livingstone noted that Danville has already passed a resolution in support of the cemetery. Mr. Slack responded that he knew about the meeting but was not able to attend.

Bill Newman provided the Council with a prepared statement and asked the Council to consider that the cemetery, if built, will be a permanent part of the Tri-Valley.

Mayor Wilson suggested that the signed petitions be presented to the Supervisors and any one who objected to the cemetery should speak to the County Supervisors.

Mr. Corrie acknowledged the opposition to the project. He told the Council that it was not his idea but that he was approached three years ago with the proposal. He discussed property value issues. He said that he offered to provide landscaping to minimize the impact. He has also made offers to buy or trade property. He remarked that this is a good site for the cemetery and suggested that those who oppose the project present their comments to the County Supervisors. Mayor Wilson closed public comment.

Cm. Hudson expressed empathy for the people who feel that something is going to be done to their property that is out of their control. He noted that San Ramon does care about the Tassajara Valley. The infrastructure is already planned. He added that the City voted to include Tassajara Valley in San Ramon’s planning area. He remarked that the County views things differently than the City. The cemetery is permitted by the County in areas outside the Urban Limit Line. He recommended that people who object to the project should speak to the Supervisors. He added that he will support the resolution.

Vice Mayor Livingstone concurred with the need for a cemetery. He requested that the wording be changed from "support the approval of" to "support in concept the proposed Creekside Memorial Park Cemetery". Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005-81 as amended by Vice Mayor Livingstone was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed 4-0.

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Public Works Administrative Manager Dorn Driggs gave the staff report. He noted that this is the second of two extension option associated with the original October 1, 1996 agreement. The Finance Committee supports the agreement extension and the 5% increase in the solid waste collection fees for FY 05/06. The Finance Committee directed staff to forward the recommendation to the City Council.

Cm. Perkins asked if the City has met with the solid waste consultant. Mr. Driggs responded affirmatively and stated that two public workshops and a Council workshop will be scheduled. Mayor Wilson opened the Public Hearing. There was no public comment. Mayor Wilson closed the Public Hearing. Cm. Perkins’ motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005-84 was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 4-0.

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Library Advisory Committee Annual Report.

John Skeel, Community Services Division Manager, introduced Yvonne Kimber, Library Advisory Committee Chair, who gave the report. She reviewed the accomplishments of 2004 and the goals for 2005. She reminded the Council of the importance of the Library volunteers and the contributions of the Library Foundation. She asked the Council to support a City/Civic Center Library. She acknowledged Joyce Gunn, Branch Manager, for her support and leadership. She thanked John Skeel for his support to the Committee.

Mayor Wilson thanked Ms. Kimber for her dedication to the Library. He asked the Committee to consider working with the All Wars Memorial for future joint programs. He acknowledged and thanked the Library volunteers. He thanked Ms. Gunn for the quality of the San Ramon Library.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to accept the Library Advisory Committee Annual Report was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 4-0.

Informational Report - Wireless Fidelity Network (WiFi).

Information Technology Division Manager Stephen Keagy gave the report. He reviewed the pros and cons of the City’s investment in a WiFi system. He informed the Council that there are issues with security, reliability, public liability, network abandonment, obsolescence, interference and competition with the private sector. He provided examples of other cities that have invested in WiFi. He estimated that the cost to implement WiFi in the City would be approximately $100,000. He requested the Council’s direction regarding further study and subsequent action.

Mayor Wilson commented that the report is complicated and recommended that different portions be evaluated by the Finance Committee and by the Policy Committee to determine if it is beneficial for the City and return to the Council for additional study.

Cm. Hudson asked if the WiFi system could be completed in 90 days. He noted that, in this proposal, SBC would provide a 1.5 mega byte internet connection.

The City Manager noted that the City does not have a proposal from SBC. This was presented as an example. He added that this is not an advocacy report. The report was provided so that the Council would understand the entire field process, that it is available in the private sector, and so that they could answer inquiries from the community. He indicated that staff was not planning to present this information to the Finance or Policy Committees for action. Mayor Wilson clarified that he wanted input from the Finance Committee regarding financial implications.

Vice Mayor Livingstone noted that is premature to spend even more staff time on this item since everyone in San Ramon has access to high speed cable internet access. He recommended that the issue be tabled until there is a request for this service.

Cm. Perkins concurred with Vice Mayor Livingstone and stated that he does not believe that the economic development issues related to providing additional access will be a windfall for the City.

Mayor Wilson accepted the report and asked the Clerk to retain the packet for future reference.

The City Manager had no report.

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Cm. Hudson commended Don Kowalski, Peter Oswald and Mayor Wilson for presenting another great Student Art Education Foundation Auction. It was a very enjoyable event and the bidding was exciting. The students and framers did a great job. He commented that he looked forward to next year’s event.

Mayor Wilson noted that next year’s Auction event will include an opportunity to purchase art books for the new Library in Tassajara. He added that the new YMCA Day Care Center in Dougherty Valley has recently opened.

There being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 9:14 p.m.

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

Approved at the June 28, 2005 City Council meeting, 4-0, Councilmember Rowley abstain.