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 28, 2005 at 7:05 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2222 Camino Ramon, Mayor Wilson presiding.

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

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Herb Moniz, City Attorney Byron Athan, Acting Police Chief Paul O’Mary, Transportation Manager Lisa Bobadilla, Transportation Specialist Prabhjot Sekhon, Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio, Planning Director Phil Wong, Associate Planner Sara Bortolussi, Public Works Director Joye Fukuda, Acting Deputy City Clerk Marty Wadekamper and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

* * * *

Ron Houston led the Council, staff, and those in the audience in the pledge of allegiance.

* * * *

Mayor Wilson asked if there were any changes or additions to the agenda. The City Clerk noted a request for an addition to the Agenda for an item that came up after the agenda was posted and which requires that action be taken this evening. Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio requested that the item, purchase of sound and lighting systems at the Dougherty Station Community Center with reimbursement to the City from the Dougherty Valley Capital Reserve Fund, be added to the Consent Calendar. Vice Mayor Livingstone’s motion that this request be Item 8.11 on the Consent Calendar was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0.

Mayor Wilson asked if there were any changes or additions to the Boards, Committee and Commission meetings schedule. The City Clerk noted that, on July 5, 2005, the Planning Commission meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. and the Zoning Ordinance Workshop will be held at 7:00 p.m. There will be a Policy Committee meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 11, 2005 in the Planning Conference Room.

* * * *

Recognition of Street Smarts Poster Contest Finalists: Selena Lugosi, Jennifer Koh, Patricia Militante, Alice Koh, Sharanth Kumarasivan.

Transportation Manager Lisa Bobadilla provided an overview of the Street Smarts program which is a public education traffic safety campaign launched in September 2004 among the School District’s elementary schools. There were approximately 260 entries in the contest and six winners. The drawings of the finalists will be utilized in the marketing materials for Street Smarts Phase II. Mayor Wilson presented the certificates to the winners who were present: Selena Lugosi, Jennifer Koh, Patricia Militante, Alice Koh and Madeline Han.

Mayor Wilson presented Ron Houston with the proclamation. The Mayor noted that we take for granted the excellent teachers in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. He added that Mr. Houston sets the bar at a high level and solicits the commitment from parents and teachers. Mr. Houston thanked the Council. He noted that he has taught in San Ramon for 21 years and has enjoyed a wonderful career. He feels lucky to have selected it 34 years ago and continues to love his work and the people he works with.

Recognition of Carol Loflin and Cindy Speltz for the Twin Creeks Bike to School Event.

Transportation Specialist Prabhjot Sekhan gave an overview of the Bike to School event on June 7, 2005. She noted that 175 students participated. Mayor Wilson presented a certificate to Carol Loflin and Cindy Speltz thanking them for their support, commitment and dedication to the completion of a successful Bike to School event. Ms. Loflin thanked the Council and Ms. Speltz. Ms. Loflin noted that the event was a wonderful opportunity to build a sense of community at the school and it helped to decrease traffic while benefiting the environment.

Mayor Wilson also presented Ms. Loflin with a proclamation designating June 7, 2005 as the first annual "Bike to School Day" at Twin Creeks Elementary School. The Mayor noted that these programs help to join the community. He expressed the hope that participation in the event would increase next year.

Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio introduced Michael Fanelli, Recreation Coordinator for Facilities, and Michele Scatena, Recreation Coordinator for Seniors and Therapeutics. Mayor Wilson presented each of them with a City pin.

Recognition of Shinei Tsukamoto as City of San Ramon Employee of the Month for June 2005.

Planning Director Phil Wong introduced Shinei Tsukamoto as the City’s Employee of the Month for June 2005. Using available technology for graphics and address information, Mr. Tsukamoto streamlined the public notice procedure resulting in a 50% savings in staff time. Mayor Wilson presented him with a certificate and stated that Mr. Tsukamoto is an example of the City employees who think outside of the box and create the quality City we enjoy. Mr. Tsukamoto thanked the Council for this honor.

* * * *

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

* * * *

Mayor Wilson requested a five minute break at 7:31 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:42 p.m. with all Council members in attendance.

* * * *

Roz Rogoff told the Council that she has written to Charles Batz, Director of the Central Contra Costa County Sanitary District. She reported that, in the last five years, there have been 28 sewage spills resulting in a total of almost 300,000 gallons of spilled sewage including the 40,000 gallon spill at the Larwin Pump Station. She added that the fine was $165,000. She is very concerned with the potential for a serious incident at the Larwin Pump Station. She requested that the Council, on a future agenda, discuss hiring an independent consulting company (one that is not affiliated with Central San) to complete a risk analysis to determine what potential accidents may happen, for example, an earthquake, fire, the impact of Dougherty Valley’s full build-out, etc.

* * * *

Vice Mayor Livingstone’s motion to approve the June 14, 2005 minutes was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 4-0. Cm. Rowley abstained.

* * * *

Resolution No. 2005-(Next In Line) Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Holzmueller Corporation in an Amount Not to Exceed $75,482, for Theater Lighting and Resolution No. 2005 – (Next In Line) with Pro Media, Incorporated, in an Amount Not to Exceed $ 85,905 for Theater Sound System at the Dougherty Station Community Center, for a Total Not to Exceed of $161,387, with Reimbursement to the City from the Dougherty Valley Capital Reserve Fund.

Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio explained that this was an emergency agenda addition. It resulted from a bid addendum that caused a change in the bid date to June 27, 2005 to insure responsive bids. Bids were received on June 27, 2005. Staff is requesting authorization for the theater lighting and sound system for the Dougherty Station Community Center (DSCC) with reimbursement to the City from the Dougherty Valley (DV) Capital Reserve Fund. He noted that the City needs to encumber these funds in FY 2004-05 in order to be reimbursed from the DV Capital Reserve Fund. He noted that this is the last item to be encumbered from the DV Capital Reserve Fund in the completion of the DSCC.

The City Attorney clarified the procedure for compliance with the Brown Act. He stated that to consider this item, the Council must make two findings: that the matter came up after the agenda was posted and that the matter requires immediate action with 4/5’s vote by the Council. Cm. Hudson’s motion that Item 8.11 came up after the agenda was posted and that it is time sensitive and requires action tonight was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and
passed 5-0.

Cm. Perkins asked if multiple bids were received for the sound and for the lighting. Mr. Eorio noted that single bids were received for both the sound and for the lighting. He added that bids were solicited from numerous vendors but only two responsive bids were received. Cm. Perkins asked if all other procurement contract and procedures were followed. Mr. Eorio responded affirmatively.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to approve consent calendar items 8.1 through 8.11 was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 5-0.

Resolution No. 2005-86 Approving the Tri-Valley Convention and Visitor’s Bureau 2005-2006 Service Agreement.

Resolution No. 2005-87 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 3 to the Lease Agreement with the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District for the Office Building 9399 Fircrest Lane.

Resolution No. 2005-88 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Amendment to the Agreement with EDAW, Inc. for Professional Services to Prepare the Northwest Specific Plan.

Resolution No. 2005-89 Authorizing the Mayor to Re-Execute the Contract with Jacobson & Wack and Crawford, Multari & Clark Associates for the Completion of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Update.

Resolution No. 2005-90 Approving the Statement of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2005-2006.

Resolution Nos. 2005-91 and 2005-92 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Extension to Contract Agreements Between the City of San Ramon and Contra Costa County for the Provision of Additional Hours of Service at the San Ramon Library in an Amount Not to Exceed $294,800.

Resolution No. 2005-93 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Amended Lease Agreement between the City of San Ramon and Contra Costa County for the San Ramon Library Located at 100 Montgomery Street, San Ramon.

Resolution Nos. 2005-94 and 2005-95 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Library Service Agreement Between the City of San Ramon and Contra Costa County for the Provision of Additional Hours of Service at the San Ramon Library Beginning in FY 2005/06 in an Amount Not to Exceed $302,100.

* * * *

The City Clerk noted that were no items of Unfinished Business on the agenda.

Mayor Wilson thanked the Tri-Valley Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (TVCVB) for their outstanding work in the past and current year. He thanked them for the timely reports and noted that the City is fortunate to work with the TVCVB. Cm. Perkins concurred.

* * * *

Introduction of Ordinances and Public Hearing for the City Center Mixed Use Text Amendment (TA 05-410-001) and Related Rezoning (RZ 05-600-003).

Associate Planner Sara Bortolussi gave the report. She stated that one ordinance establishes a new zoning district called City Center Mixed Use and the second ordinance authorizes the rezoning of three parcels from their current zoning designation to the new zoning designation. The three parcels involved are located at the intersection of Bollinger Canyon Road and Camino Ramon. The future development of the City Center is a City goal and will also facilitate the goals of the Economic Development Strategic Plan. The Bishop Ranch 2 site is being included to create a link between the Shops at Bishop Ranch and the future City Center. The new zoning district will help achieve consistency with the adopted General Plan. It will allow a mix of uses including residential, retail, office and complimentary temporary uses.

The Planning Commission at its June 7, 2005 meeting supported the rezoning and unanimously adopted
Resolution 10-05. The Commission recommended that the City Council adopt the zoning text amendment and approve the rezoning.

Ms. Bortolussi noted that by adopting the new zoning district, the City creates a specialized zoning designation that can be applied to the City Center property. By rezoning the City Center property, the City creates conformance with the General Plan and helps foster the future development of the City Center. She informed the Council that an EIR addendum was prepared for the project.

Mayor Wilson opened public comment.

Roz Rogoff commented that, by finally changing the zoning, the City will know what to design for the City Center. She enthusiastically supported the addition of Bishop Ranch 2 as the additional land will make the development more flexible.

Toby Brink encouraged the Council to adopt the new zoning district ordinance and to rezone the two City Center parcels to conform to the General Plan and create an opportunity for future development. This will strengthen the City’s retail base by contributing to the City’s fiscal vitality and provide recreation and entertainment uses.

Jim Hansen noted that he was a member of the City Center Task Force and the General Plan Commission. He is excited about the project and encouraged the Council to vote for it. Mayor Wilson closed public comment.

Cm. Hudson commented that the staff presented a good product. He thought that the project went through the Planning process so smoothly because this is what the people wanted to see. He stated that he will be very supportive of the ordinances.

Cm. Perkins stated that he was very pleased to see this item on the agenda. He noted that the Council will move the plan forward. The City Center will be enjoyed by the citizens and supported by the business community.

Vice Mayor Livingstone was also extremely pleased to see that something real will happen at the City Center instead of dreams that no one can afford.

Cm. Rowley commented that she is very pleased. She added that the City has been waiting for years for the project and that it has been studied to death. She feels that we are on the right track. She approved of the ordinance and expected wonderful things to happen in this area. She added that she can "hardly wait for it to happen."

Mayor Wilson concurred with the Council comments and noted that we are fortunate to have staff that runs the City like a business as it is supposed to be run. He complimented staff’s professional job.

Cm. Hudson’s motion that the City Center Mixed Use Text Amendment (05-410-001) be introduced and continued to July 12, 2005 was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 5-0.

Cm. Hudson’s motion that the introduction of an ordinance for the related rezoning (05-600-003) to rezone approximately 33 +/- acres from Administrative Office and Administrative Office/Height Overlay to City Center Mixed Use and continue the hearing to July 12, 2005 for testimony was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone. Mayor Wilson requested a roll call vote. The motion passed 5-0.

The City Manager thanked the Planning staff for doing such a great job, the Planning Commission for moving this item forward, and the Council for voting affirmatively.

* * * *

Mayor Wilson requested an update on the three home owner associations on San Ramon Valley Boulevard and efforts to keep that area clean. Public Works Director Joye Fukuda reported that Department staff patrols the area bi-weekly and she will increase the patrol frequency. She noted that the Council had requested a status report by September. They have prepared a timeline to achieve this. She added that they are meeting next week with representatives of the HOAs and are working on a draft maintenance agreement and finalizing the cost. This agreement will be presented to the Council for its approval.

Mayor Wilson noted that there is a lot of trash and the dense shrubs pose a fire hazard. He did not want this appearance on a main thoroughfare to be representative of the City.

Cm. Hudson congratulated all the students who graduated this year and especially to the California High School Class of 2005. He added that the speech by Henry Bailey, who is retiring after more than 30 years with the District, was exceptional. He also thanked the Mayor for performing his duties in spite of being ill this evening.

Vice Mayor Livingstone acknowledged Mr. Bailey and added that he has also been recognized by the Rotary Club for his outstanding job for students. He also reported on the parking issue at California High School. There was a meeting with representatives of the School Board, the principal and members of the Transportation Advisory Committee. He noted that everyone recognizes that it is a major problem. He added that they made some interesting discoveries for other possible parking locations. He remarked that the principal and the Board will focus on the problem and helping the residents in San Ramon. He noted that the problem will get worse and be a continuing challenge next year as a result of additional construction. He remarked that the Council and School District are working together to alleviate some of the problems because the restricted parking can not continue to be expanded.

Cm. Perkins reminded everyone about the July 4^th events which include: Run San Ramon starting at 6:30 a.m.; the parade in Danville; and the Star Spangled Spectacular and fireworks starting at 5:00 p.m. in Central Park. He also reminded everyone that the Fourth of July is all about the independence of the United States.

Mayor Wilson extended his congratulations to the graduates of California High School and all the other graduate of the Class of 2005.

There being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m.

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

Approved at the July 12, 2005 City Council meeting, 4-0, Councilmember Perkins absent.