MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held September 13, 2005 at 7:13 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2222 Camino Ramon, Mayor Wilson presiding.

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

ABSENT: Councilmember Perkins.

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Herb Moniz, City Attorney Judy Robbins, Police Chief Scott Holder, Parks and Community Services Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator Nicole Blazin, Recreation Services Division Manager Esther Lucas, Finance Director Greg Rogers, Economic Development Director Marc Fontes, Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

Sandy Barclay 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 that 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 correct phone number for the September 25, 2005 E-Waste collection
is 1-800-207-8222.

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Parks and Community Services Marketing Coordinator Nicole Blazin told the audience about upcoming City events: the California Symphony Concert sponsored by Sunset Development at 5:30 p.m. in Central Park on September 23; the Grand Opening of the Dougherty Station Community Center, Library and Police Substation on September 24-25; the Arts Walk and Festival sponsored by the San Ramon Arts Foundation on September 24-25; the Small Business Expo at the Dougherty Station Community Center on September 29; and the annual Black and White Party on October 1.

Recognizing September 14, 2005 as "National Anthem Project Day". Presented to Mark Boyd – Pine Valley Middle School, Janet Brown - Iron Horse Middle School, Lucerne Mottaz – California High School

Proclamations recognizing September 14, 2005 as National Anthem Day were presented by Mayor Wilson to music teachers: Mark Boyd of Pine Valley Middle School, Janet Brown of Iron Horse Middle School, and Kellie Hoover of Windemere Middle School. Lucerne Mottaz was unable to attend. Ms. Brown reviewed the history and importance of the project. Mr. Boyd thanked the Mayor for the proclamation and stated that music is an important element of education as it develops creative thinking in children and allows them to use their imagination.

Presentation to Step-It-Up Award Winners: Jethro Castillo, Tiffany Jow, Ryan Hanan, Brittney Lau, Lan Lau, Susan Innamorati, Mike Young, Elena McCrary, Yuk Shan Cheung, Fran Scott, the Jow Family (Ron, Sandy, Connor, Harrison and Tiffany)

Recreation Services Division Manager Esther Lucas reviewed the objectives of the Step-It-Up Program. She noted that the Parks Department is committed to leading the San Ramon community into a more active lifestyle.

Parks and Community Services Marketing Coordinator Nicole Blazin explained that the Program was a partnership between the City, ClubSport and the San Ramon Medical Center. This is a simple, easy Program aimed at making people aware of their sedentary lifestyles. The objective was to walk 10,000 steps per day. She reported that a total of 350 participants walked 16,739,839 steps which is the equivalent of 8,369 miles.

Mayor Wilson presented Olympic style awards to the winners in each category. He acknowledged ClubSport and the Medical Center for their Program sponsorship. He thanked the residents for their participation in the program. He added that walking is a fun, healthy activity that anyone can do and it is an excellent opportunity for a family activity. Cm. Hudson commented that 30 minutes of exercise at 70% aerobic capacity several times a week will help to reduce an individual’s chances of heart disease.

Recognition of Frank Barry "Mr. Green Jeans" for his Dedicated Volunteer Service to the Senior Center

Mayor Wilson presented a proclamation to Frank Barry acknowledging his contributions to the San Ramon Senior Center Garden. Mr. Barry noted that it is a pleasure to work in the garden and that he hopes future improvements to the Garden will include a hothouse and fountain.

Finance Director Greg Rogers introduced Eric Zeng, Computer Specialist, as the City’s Employee of the Month for September 2005. He reviewed Mr. Zeng’s achievements and certifications and added that he is happy to have him as a member of his staff. Mayor Wilson presented him with a certificate and stated that Mr. Zeng is always available with a smile and takes excellent care of the City’s employees. Mr. Zeng thanked Greg Rogers, Steve Keagy, Information Technology Division Manager, and his wife for their support.

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The City Clerk gave the report. She noted that two applications were received by the deadline and that one applicant was disqualified because he was unable to receive Channels 28, 29 and 30 which was a prerequisite for the appointment. Although Mr. May was unable to be interviewed, she asked the Council to review his application and consider his appointment as the City’s representative to the TV30 Board. Mayor Wilson reported that the Council did review Mr. May’s application and discussed the appointment with Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio. Cm. Hudson’s motion to appoint Ron May to a two year term to run through September 2007 was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 4-0.

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Paul Mitchell recognized three City employees for their exceptional service. He noted that Rose Co, Web Master, provides rapid and accurate service in response to his Citizen Response Management requests. He also acknowledged P.J. Sekhon, Transportation Specialist, for her assistance with several tree limb problems which impaired traffic signs or signals. He noted that Patrick Gutierrez, Maintenance Field Supervisor, sent him a letter regarding his overgrown trees. Once he had corrected his situation, he brought to Mr. Gutierrez’s attention obstruction problems at several other sites in the City. He thanked City staff for excellent service. On another issue, he asked that the Council consider sunsetting the Building Permit Board of Appeals of which he is the only remaining member. Mayor Wilson thanked him for his comments.

Lois Arganbright informed the Council that the Dr. Sandy Bigman’s Eleventh Annual Talent Show benefiting the Contra Costa Food Bank will be held on Friday, October 7, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Fountain Room at the San Ramon Community Center. They will accept donations to benefit the American Red Cross Katrina fund. She added that admission is a nonperishable food item. Food donations will also be accepted at Dr. Bigman’s office located at 525 Bollinger Canyon Lane, San Ramon.

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Cm. Hudson’s motion to approve the minutes of the August 23, 2005 meeting was seconded by Mayor Wilson and passed 2-0. Cm. Rowley and Vice Mayor Livingstone abstained.

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Resolution No. 2005-120  Rejecting the Bid of MCK Services, Inc. for the Construction of FYs 2005/06 and 2006/07 Pavement Repair Stop Gap Project (CIPs 5319 and 5366).

Resolution No. 2005-121 Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement Between the City of San Ramon and Casey Printing, Inc. for the Provision of Printing Services for the Recreation Guide and Summer Camp Guide For an Amount Not to Exceed $45,000.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to approve consent calendar items 8.1 through 8.3 was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 4-0.

Resolution No. 2005-122 Granting Consent to the City of Pleasanton to Form the Tri-Valley Tourism Business Improvement District (TVTBID).

Mayor Wilson opened public comment.

Paul Mitchell asked if the property owners or the transients will pay for the cost of the Business Improvement District (BID) and if the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) will be eliminated. Mayor Wilson responded that transients will pay the BID and that the TOT will not be eliminated. Economic Development Director Marc Fontes explained that the BID is the responsibility of the business or property owner and they can be passed on to the facility guests. He estimated the cost at $1.00 per night per room. Vice Mayor Livingstone asked how the San Ramon facilities voted regarding the BID. Mr. Fontes replied that 5 of the 6 facilities have signed the petition supporting the BID.

Mayor Wilson closed public comment.

Mayor Wilson noted that the Finance Committee has reviewed the proposal and supports the proposal. Cm. Rowley’s motion to approve consent calendar items 8.4 was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 4-0.

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The City Clerk noted that there were no items of unfinished business.

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Jeff Eorio, Parks and Community Services Director, presented an overview of the proposal including the purpose, background, collection and distribution components. The program would be multifaceted with donation boxes located in all City facilities and at special events. In order to begin collecting money, a donation account must be authorized by Council resolution with specific rules on distribution to ensure that all proceeds are directed to relief efforts. He noted that the City’s financial commitment would be staff time and volunteer coordination. Mayor Wilson asked what percentage of the funds would be distributed. Mr. Eorio responded that 100% of the funds collected would be distributed.

Mayor Wilson opened public comment.

Roz Rogoff informed the Council that the name "San Ramon Cares" is currently used by another organization and that the City should consider another name.

Mayor Wilson closed public comment.

Cm. Hudson noted the timeliness of the item. Cm. Rowley added that, in the event of natural disasters, people want to help and this would expedite the response time. Vice Mayor Livingstone suggested that the program be incorporated into the City’s disaster preparedness. Mayor Wilson commented that the City needs a vehicle for financial donations and distribution. He stated that it was important for 100% of the funds to be used directly for those in need.

Cm. Hudson added that it was better strategy for the City to be prepared so that when people want to help, the City would have a vehicle in place. He noted that there was no fiscal impact to the City and supported the proposal. Mayor Wilson suggested that the funds be used to supply books to schools and libraries. Cm. Hudson added that San Ramon became a Charter city so that it would have more flexibility than General Law cities. He noted that County Connection has a surplus of Link service buses which might be purchased with these funds and sent to New Orleans.

Mayor Wilson asked if the Council had the authority to collect funds. The City Manager responded that the program will be initiated if the Council advises staff to develop the necessary actions to implement the "San Ramon Cares Disaster Relief" Program. He suggested that staff research the issue and present a resolution to initiate the program for Council approval. Cm. Hudson’s motion to direct staff to research the issue and present a resolution for Council approval was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 4-0.

Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio announced that it was his pleasure to recommend acceptance of the Dougherty Station facilities. The Dougherty Valley’s master plan includes 11,000 homes and was approved in 1994 by Contra Costa County. The County processes the development approvals. When the County and the City determine that public improvements are completed, the City accepts maintenance responsibility of the improvements subsequent to County acceptance.

Mr. Eorio reported that the Board of Supervisors met on September 13, 2005 and adopted three resolutions which accepted the parcel, the library and the community center as complete for occupancy. Staff is presenting the Dougherty Station Community Center and Library to the Council for acceptance. He noted that the Police Services have moved in and that the Parks Department is in the process of moving in.

Vice Mayor Livingstone requested that the resolution be amended to include Contra Costa County resolution numbers 2005/551, 2005/552 and 2005/553. Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005-123 as amended was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 4-0. Mayor Wilson complimented the developers for meeting San Ramon’s standards and giving the City buildings of which they can be proud.

Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2005-124 Authorizing the Mayor to Approve the Expenditure of Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Funding

Police Chief Scott Holder provided the report. In 1996, AB3299 established the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program and appropriated money from the state general fund to establish the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF). SLESF funds are provided to develop programs to ensure public safety. Since 1997, San Ramon has used these funds to provide for a Community & Youth Resource officer. This officer investigates juvenile crime and administers the City’s Juvenile Diversion Program. These funds are used to offset the cost of this resource position. The total cost of this position is $162,000. He added that the City will receive no less than $100,000 which is already included in the FY 2005-06 budget. Mayor Wilson questioned how the allocation was made. Chief Holder responded that the money is given to the county which then makes a distribution to cities based on their population. Mayor Wilson requested that the accurate population data be provided to the County.

Mayor Wilson opened the public comment. There were no requests to address this item. Mayor Wilson closed the public comment. Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2005-124 was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 4-0.

The City Manager encouraged residents to attend the free California Symphony Concert in Central Park at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2005.

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Mayor Wilson noted that the California Symphony is one of the best symphonies in the United States. He emphasized the importance of exposing children to a live orchestra as a memorable experience that will enrich their lives. He encouraged residents to attend the Symphony’s performance as this is a wonderful cultural opportunity for the community.

Regarding the 911 ceremony, Mayor Wilson thanked the City staff who were responsible for organizing the event and those who participated, especially Chief Holder. He added that Mrs. Burnett extended her appreciation to the City for the event.

Cm. Hudson reported on the outstanding open house for the new middle school in Dougherty Valley. He reported that the Mayor’s Conference included a discussion of water issues. The SWAT meeting included a review of the county contract to facilitate meetings. He added that he will attend the LAFCO meeting on September 14, 2005.

Vice Mayor Livingstone expressed his appreciation to the Mayor for the exceptional 911 ceremony. He added that staff did a wonderful job of organizing the event. He noted that Mrs. Burnett’s comments were eloquent.

Cm. Rowley thanked the Mayor for speaking at the September 11, 2005 Victorian Tea which was a well attended and successful event.

There being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m. and the Council convened to:
(1) Closed Session pursuant to Government Code §54956.8 for City Council to meet with its real property negotiators: Joye Fukuda and Moustefa Kendroud regarding portions or property identified as APN 213-010-024, 213-010-025, 213-010-026, 213-010-027; and (2) Closed Session pursuant to Government Code §54957 for City Council to meet with its labor negotiators, Jeff Eorio, Greg Rogers and Cheryl Mitchell Wade concerning negotiations with SEIU Local 790.

The Mayor reported that no action was taken by the Council at either Closed Session. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

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

Approved at the October 11, 2005 City Council meeting, 4-0, Councilmember Perkins abstain.