MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held October 11, 2005 at 7:05 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 and Mayor Wilson.

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Herb Moniz, City Attorney By Athan, Police Chief Scott Holder, Community Services Division Manager John Skeel, Transportation Manager Lisa Bobadilla, Transportation Analyst Darlene Amaral, Associate Planner Sara Bortolussi and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

Kurt Linford 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 requested that item 4.4 be continued to the October 25, 2005 meeting.

Mayor Wilson asked if there were any changes or additions to the Boards, Committee and Commission meetings schedule. The City Clerk noted that the Architectural Review Board meeting scheduled for October 13, 2005 has been canceled.

* * * *

Dougherty Station Volunteer Recognition.

Community Services Division Manager John Skeel noted that 59 volunteers participated in the Grand Opening of the Dougherty Station Community Center, Police Substation and Library. The community response was terrific and that the effort and countless hours provided by City volunteers contributed to the success of the event. Those volunteers who were present were recognized with a certificate presented by Mayor Wilson. The Mayor thanked the volunteers on behalf of the Council. He stressed the importance of volunteers in providing the quality programs enjoyed by the community.

Proclamation designating October 20, 2005 as "Lights on After School Day" presented to Len Heid, Executive Director of Kids’ Country.

Mayor Wilson presented Len Heid, Executive Director of Kids’ Country, with the proclamation. Mr. Heid invited the Council to attend the celebrations at any Kids’ Country program on October 20, 2005. Mayor Wilson remarked on the importance of the City’s partnership with the schools to ensure the safety of children after school.

Police Chief Scott Holder reviewed Officer Cook’s service to the City, in particular, his contribution in training new officers. Officer Cook is leaving the City to work in an anti-terrorism task force in Alameda County. Mayor Wilson presented Officer Cook with a plaque. The Mayor remarked that San Ramon has the best police officers because the City requires officers who excel. He recognized Mrs. Cook and the importance of family support for police officers. Officer Cook commented that it was an honor to work in San Ramon and that he is leaving reluctantly.

Recognition of Mary Gentry as City of San Ramon Employee of the Month for October 2005.

As Mary Gentry was unable to attend, the item was continued to October 25, 2005.

* * * *

Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla gave the report. She informed the Council that the County Connection Citizen Advisory Committee provides feedback to the Board of Directors on issues related to fixed-route bus service. She reviewed the outreach efforts for this vacancy which included providing information on the City web site and postings at City facilities. County Connection advertised the vacancy in the San Ramon Valley Times and on all transit buses. She added that the Transportation Advisory Committee recommends the appointment of Harvey Riggs.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to appoint Harvey Riggs to the County Connection Citizen Advisory Committee for a term to expire in November 2007 was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 5-0. Vice Mayor Livingstone thanked Mr. Riggs for volunteering and remarked that the City was fortunate to have him as a representative. Mayor Wilson thanked him for volunteering.

Transportation Demand Management Advisory Committee Appointment

Transportation Analyst Darlene Amaral presented the report.

Cm. Perkins’ motion to appoint Alan Fitzgerald to the Transportation Demand Management Advisory Committee for a term to run through January 2007 was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0. Mayor Wilson thanked Mr. Fitzgerald for volunteering.

* * * *

Roz Rogoff asked the Council to consider subscribing to "Video on Demand", an internet service, provided by Channel 30 through their TV30 web site. She remarked that the scheduled presentations of Council meetings on TV30 is not reliable. Utilizing Video on Demand would make Council meetings available over the internet so that people who do not have cable television are able to view the meetings at their convenience.

Cm. Perkins asked if the Council meetings could be stored on a server and retrieved.

Ms. Rogoff responded that the viewer has a cue point for each meeting segment. She added that the process may have changed with TV30’s new digital service.

Cm. Perkins asked who is offering this service. Ms. Rogoff responded that the service is offered by TV30 for an estimated additional cost of $300-$500 per month.

Kirk Johnson, PG&E Area Director, and Kurt Linford, Superintendent of Mission Division for Gas and Electric Crews, addressed the electrical outage that occurred on September 28, 2005 near the Market Place. The outage was caused by the failure of a separable connector. Mr. Johnson explained that this connector connects two pieces of power cable. The connector enables PG&E to separate the cable without cutting the cable so that modifications can be made without additional damage or reorganizing of equipment. In this instance, the connector failure resulted in a lid fracture. The lid sits on top of a box which is placed under the sidewalk in an enclosure or junction box. The lid was moved 6 to 10 feet from the general vicinity of the box. Mr. Johnson stated that this incident is not similar to the incident in San Francisco which was due to the failure of an electrical network transformer, a different piece of equipment. He reported that PG&E has a maintenance and inspection schedule and utilizes infrared technology to locate damaged equipment.

Kurt Linford’s Mission Division is responsible for the Tri-Valley gas and electric crews. He reported that PG&E made the repairs in the junction box which included replacing three splices. The repair crew also inspected the circuit from the junction box to the substation to identify any hot connectors. He added that the failed connector has been submitted to a specialist for analysis. He explained that PG&E has a scheduled maintenance program which inspects underground facilities every three years. He added that there are approximately 26,000 primary underground enclosures in the Tri-Valley area. He stated that five splice failures have occurred this year but the San Ramon incident is the only case in which the lid fractured.

Cm. Perkins asked if there are any transformers in the Tri-Valley area which are similar to the transformer in San Francisco. Mr. Linford responded that the San Francisco transformer is a network transformer. The Tri-Valley does not have a network system so there are no network transformers in this area.

Cm. Perkins asked if there were other separable connector accidents in which the lid blew off the box. Mr. Linford said that he did not know and would have to wait for the analysis of the failed connector. Cm. Perkins asked when the analysis report would be received. Mr. Linford replied that he did not know. Cm. Perkins requested that PG&E inform the Council of the analysis results and what PG&E’s plan will be to prevent similar instances from occurring in the future.

Vice Mayor Livingstone asked if this was a case of a high resistance failure due to heat build-up. Mr. Linford stated that he will be able to answer that question upon completion of the connector analysis. He noted that five connector failures have occurred in the Tri-Valley area. Vice Mayor Livingstone asked how many times the cover has blown off a box. Mr. Linford stated that he has been in his current position for 8-9 months and this is the first time that this situation has occurred.

Mayor Wilson thanked PG&E for being proactive and providing their report. He added that the Council is looking forward to the results of the connector analysis.

The City Manager thanked the PG&E representatives for explaining the situation.

Stacey Street, Executive Director for the California Symphony, and Ralph Haskew, Symphony Board President, thanked the Council for their support of the recent concert. She remarked that the concert was a wonderful partnership with the City, Bishop Ranch, Sunset Development, and local corporate sponsors. She recognized Jeff Eorio, Kimberly French and City staff for their assistance. She estimated that 1,000 people attended. She added that the Symphony is looking forward to working with the City to make the concert an annual event. She presented the Council with complimentary ticket vouchers for the Symphony’s opening concert. Mr. Haskew presented the Council with a framed photographic remembrance of the concert.

Mayor Wilson thanked the Symphony for their cultural enrichment of San Ramon.

Cm. Perkins commented that the concert featured a wonderful selection of music and spectacular performances.

Vice Mayor Livingstone stated that many residents told him how impressed they were with the quality of the performance and that it was a great experience for San Ramon.

Cm. Rowley added that it was a wonderful family opportunity and enjoyed by everyone.

Vice Mayor Livingstone noted that the May 2005 Reader’s Digest identified the California Symphony as America’s Best Symphony Orchestra for the quality and depth of the programs provided to the community. The Symphony features American composers, sponsors a Composer in Residence program, and brings music educational programs to the schools. This year they will be working with Neil Armstrong Elementary school.

Cm. Rowley remarked that the California Symphony’s music in the school program was an amazing partnership which enabled the musicians to share their love of music with the students.

Cheryl Wiegmann, Membership Chair for the Ironhorse Middle School PTA, invited the Council to join the PTA. She provided membership forms to the Council.

Mayor Wilson stated that he is looking forward to being more involved with the schools in San Ramon.

Ellen Rosenbluth informed the citizens that a Candidate Forum will be held at 6:30 p.m. on October 27, 2005 at the Senior Center. She stated that she is a candidate for the City Council and encouraged everyone to vote in the November 8^th Municipal Election.

Toby Brink, San Ramon Chamber of Commerce President, thanked the City, Economic Development Department and the Parks Department for partnering with the Chamber on the Business Expo which was held at the Dougherty Station Community Center. The Expo was an opportunity to promote business vitality and the services provided to businesses by the Chamber and by the City. He invited the public to attend the Chamber’s "Wine and Dine" event on November 10, 2005 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the San Ramon Marriott. He added that the Annual Community Awards event will be held on November 30, 2005 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the San Ramon Community Center.

* * * *

Vice Mayor Livingstone’s motion approve the September 13, 2005 minutes was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 4-0. Cm. Perkins abstained.

Vice Mayor Livingstone’s motion to approve the September 27, 2005 minutes was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed 4-0. Mayor Wilson abstained.

* * * *

Resolution No. 2005-132 – Supporting the Creation of a National Cemetery at the Concord Naval Weapons Station.

Resolution No. 2005-133 – Rejecting the Bid Received for the Replacement of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Units at the San Ramon Community Center.

Resolution No. 2005-134 – Accepting PA 0004 (Souyen Park, a Portion of Lot 12 in Subdivision 7976) for Maintenance (Windemere BLC Land Development Co., LLC).

Resolution No. 2005-135 – Authorizing Deferred Compensation 457 Plan Loans.

Resolution No. 2005-136 – Authorizing the Establishment of a 401 Money Purchase Plan Through the Services of ICMA-RC.

Resolution No. 2005-137 – Approving the VantageCare Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Program.

Resolution No. 2005-138 – Adopting the VantageCare RHS Employer Investment Program (EIP).

There were no requests for public comment on the Consent Calendar items.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to approve consent calendar items 8.1 through 8.5 was seconded by Vice Mayor Livingstone and passed 5-0.

* * * *

The City Clerk noted there were no items of Unfinished Business.

* * * *

Sara Bortolussi, Associate Planner, presented the report. She noted that the original child care fee was established by the Council in January 1988. The fee was levied on new development to support the construction of facilities for school-age child care. It was used to establish nonprofit child care programs at elementary schools. Staff researched the current fee and the elements of the formula to determine if the fee was appropriate and accurate. Staff determined that the elements of the formula needed to be updated to reflect the current cost of child care facilities in San Ramon. The Finance Committee reviewed staff’s proposal at their September 8, 2005 meeting. They recommended changes to the proposed exemptions. These changes are reflected in the proposed Ordinance.

Mayor Wilson opened the public comment. There were no requests to address the issue. Mayor Wilson closed the public comment.

Cm. Rowley asked for details regarding the Finance Committee’s recommendations.

Cm. Perkins reported that the Finance Committee reviewed how and why the factors were changed. He noted that San Ramon now has different housing densities. He reviewed the exemptions and modifications which included a provision for small unit residential projects to pay a reduced or no fee. He discussed how the funds were utilized in the past. The Bollinger Canyon School is currently using $200,000 of these funds for its renovations. He added that this formula puts San Ramon in the middle range of residential versus commercial fee assessment.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to introduce the ordinance to repeal Division C4-92 of the Municipal Code Clarifying the Project Definitions and Modifying the Project Exemptions and Consideration of Resolution No. 2005-139 to Increase the City of San Ramon Child Care Fee for Residential and Non-Residential Developments was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0.

Lisa Bobadilla, Transportation Manager, gave the report on the parking at California High School. She reviewed the history of the problem and the work of the Parking Committee. She reported that the Committee reached consensus on several strategies. These strategies include: an on-site carpool only parking, carpool incentive program, a youth transit ticket program, and shuttle service from the Bollinger Park and Ride lot and Athan Downs Park. She reviewed the outreach and publicity that was utilized to promote the programs to students. She reported that the Public Services Department and Waste Management altered trash pick-up times along several routes near Cal High to allow for earlier pick-up. No negative feedback has been received from residents or Waste Management regarding this schedule change. She added that staff will continue to: monitor the implemented programs to ensure that the objectives are met; provide updates to the City Council and Transportation Advisory Committee; and evaluate the carpool parking program to determine its effectiveness. She noted that the incentive programs are funded by Air District funding and Measure C programs. Ms. Bobadilla thanked the members of the Parking Committee for their support, input and cooperation.

Vice Mayor Livingstone thanked Ms. Bobadilla for putting the program together. He added that the residents realize that this is a huge issue and a long term problem. He stated that this is a community problem and the City is looking for acceptable solutions. He asked residents for their help in keeping students from driving to school. He requested that they contact the City with suggestions. He thanked the Parking Committee for their contributions. He thanked Mr. Moniz for his assistance with the trash pick-up problem.

Cm. Rowley praised the program and commented that it shows what can be accomplished when the City, school district and residents work cooperatively. She added that more information and carpool partners can be obtained from the web site at www.pooltoschool.org.

Cm. Perkins asked if consideration had been given to using the space between the Olympic Pool and Broadmoor Drive for permanent parking. Ms. Bobadilla responded that after this phase of the construction is complete, the school will reevaluate the parking space available for staff and students.

Cm. Perkins asked if the on-site parking at Cal High was restricted to staff and carpoolers. Ms. Bobadilla replied that the on-site carpool parking permit program is only available to students.

Cm. Hudson gave credit to the developers and School District for realizing the problem and staying on target so that the construction project would be completed on schedule.

Cm. Rowley noted that the construction organization at Cal High was well done.

Mayor Wilson thanked Principal Corti and Vice Principal Denise Hibbard for their efforts.

The Council accepted the report as presented.

The City Manager reported that the Council Liaison meetings, between the Council and surrounding agencies are back on schedule and that the Dublin San Ramon Services District met on October 11, 2005.

He reported that an all employee meeting was held on October 3, 2005 to discuss City issues, the pay for performance program, the increased costs in health care and what the City is doing to address them, the update to the evaluation tool used by supervisors, and other issues of interest. He told the Council that another meeting will be scheduled with City employees to discuss health care costs.

He announced that Brooke Littman, Housing Programs Manager, will be recognized by the Tri-Valley Interfaith Poverty Forum for her work on affordable housing.

* * * *

Cm. Rowley reported that the Dougherty Station Little Theatre’s first production, "Clue", is a great production and she was pleased to see the facility put to use so quickly.

Cm. Perkins noted that the last City e-waste event is scheduled for October 12, 2005.

Cm. Hudson represented San Ramon at the Mayor’s Conference. He told the Council that Oakley has a resolution to adopt Long Beach, MS as the recipient of their Hurricane Katrina relief donations. He reported that San Francisco Magazine Online rated San Ramon #4 out of 107 entries as one of the best towns for families to live with a population of fewer than 100,000.

Vice Mayor Livingstone stated that he is proud of San Ramon and that it is an honor to be #4. He commended the City Manager for taking the lead in the Tri-Valley area in coordinating various agencies for disaster preparedness. He emphasized the need for all agencies to communicate and thanked Mr. Moniz for reinstating the City’s Emergency Operations Center.

Mayor Wilson reported that Vice Mayor Livingstone, Cm. Perkins and he attended the League of California Cities conference in San Francisco. They attended several sessions on disaster preparedness. He gave a brief summary of the General Resolution Committee sessions which discussed prohibiting the publication of home addresses and phone number for elected officials, adopting voluntary statewide residential green building standards, and the urban environmental accords adopted by the United Nations’ World Environment Day.

Cm. Hudson congratulated California High School team for winning a wonderful football game with Foothill.

There being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. and the Council convened to Closed Session: (1) 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; and (2) pursuant to Government Code §54957 to evaluate the position of City Manager.

Mayor Wilson reconvened at 9:54 p.m. He reported that the City Council was advised of the status of negotiations with SEIU Local 790. He also reported that the City Council discussed the methodology to be used for the evaluation of the City Manager.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m.

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

Approved at the October 25, 2005 City Council meeting, 4-0, Councilmember Rowley absent.