MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held January 10, 2006 at 7:20 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2222 Camino Ramon, Mayor Wilson presiding.

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

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Herb Moniz, City Attorney By Athan, Police Chief Scott Holder, Planning Services Manager Debbie Chamberlain, Recreation Services Division Manager Esther Lucas, Community Services Division Manager John Skeel, Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla, Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio, Economic Development Director Marc Fontes and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

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Mayor Wilson reported that the Council met in closed session pursuant to Government Code §54957 to meet with its labor negotiators Jeff Eorio, Greg Rogers and Cheryl Mitchell Wade concerning negotiations with SEIU Local 790. Mayor Wilson stated that the Session would be continued after the City Council meeting.

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Vice Mayor Rowley 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 City Clerk requested an addition under Item 4.1. She noted that there needs to be a finding from the Council that the matter came up after the agenda was published and a motion that the action needs to be taken at tonight’s meeting. The addition is acknowledgement of Christa Freihofner for her contributions to the Alcosta Tree Planting Project. Cm. Perkins’ motions were seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 5-0.

Cm. Hudson asked the City Attorney if the Council needed to state that there was an urgency to the item to be added. The City Attorney responded that the City Council must make two findings as noted by the City Clerk.

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 January 12, 2006 has been canceled. The Library Advisory Committee will meet on January 19, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Dougherty Station Library.

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Recognition of the Dublin San Ramon Services District-East Bay Municipal Utility District Recycled Water Authority (DERWA), PG&E and Wesley Cheung and Jovo Vijanderan for their Contribution and Installation of the Street Trees along Alcosta Boulevard.

The item was introduced by Planning Services Manager Debbie Chamberlain. She recognized the people for their contribution, participation and encouragement in the installation of the landscaping along Alcosta Boulevard. The trees help to disguise the wireless telecommunication facility installed on PG&E property. Cm. Perkins suggested this to candidates as an Eagle Scout project.

Cm. Perkins assisted Mayor Wilson. Certificates of appreciation were presented to: Dan Scannell and Richard Halket, representing the Dublin San Ramon Services District; Lori Steere, Community Affairs representative from the East Bay Municipal Utility District; Wil Hardee, PG&E’s Director of Public Affairs/Government Relations; Christy Freihofner and Jovo Vijanderan. Mayor Wilson remarked that this project is an example of the community working together to improve the quality of life in San Ramon. Ms. Freihofner thanked the scouts for working on the project. She urged residents to get involved in projects even if they are not directly impacted. She thanked the Planning Department for coordinating the project and for turning a negative into a positive. Mr. Vijanderan thanked the City for the opportunity to complete his Eagle Scout project.

Diane Schinnerer, San Ramon’s first Mayor, and Mayor Wilson presented Dan Basso with a certificate acknowledging the fiftieth anniversary of the Brass Door Restaurant. Mayor Wilson remarked that it was known as the second "Chamber" for the City. Ms. Schinnerer thanked Mr. Basso for his generosity to community groups. Mr. Basso thanked the Council for this recognition. He commended the Council and City staff for guiding the City’s growth.

Police Chief Scott Holder introduced Detective John Gardenier who has worked for 4 ½ years in the City as a patrol officer and detective. He is leaving to work at the County jail. Mayor Wilson presented him with a plaque and thanked him for being part of the San Ramon family. Det. Gardenier thanked the City for their support and stated that it had been his pleasure to work in San Ramon.

Chief Holder introduced Officer Chris Vannoy and his family. Officer Vannoy has worked for the City for six years. His new assignment is County Patrol. Mayor Wilson said that the police officers are part of the San Ramon family. He thanked them for upholding the standards of San Ramon. The Mayor presented Officer Vannoy with a plaque. He thanked the entire family and presented flowers to Officer Vannoy’s wife and mother. Officer Vannoy commented that San Ramon was a great city to work for and that it was difficult to leave.

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Recreation Services Division Manager Esther Lucas gave the report. She asked the Council to appoint the four candidates recommended by the Parks and Community Services Commission (PCSC). Vice Mayor Rowley made a motion to appoint the four recommended candidates. Cm. Perkins requested that the motion be amended so that Sumana Sen Mandala’s term expires in April 2008 rather than April 2007 and James Eaneman’s term would expire in April 2007. Vice Mayor Rowley did not accept the amendment preferring to accept the PCSC’s recommendations.

Cm. Livingstone noted that all of the applicants were impressive.

Cm. Hudson noted that committee term limits have virtually been eliminated by the Council and stated that he does not find the need to establish term limits. He supports the PCSC’s recommendations.

Cm. Perkins retracted his amendment and seconded Vice Mayor Rowley’s motion. The motion passed 5-0. The appointments to the Arts Advisory Committee include: Sarika Patel as the student member (term through April 2007), Mike McQuiston member (term through April 2007), Sumana Sen Mandala (term through April 2007), and James M. Eaneman (term through April 2008).

Community Services Division Manager John Skeel gave the report. He requested that the Council appoint the four candidates recommended by the Parks and Community Services Commission (PCSC). Cm. Perkins’ motion to accept the PCSC’s recommended slate was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0. The appointments to the Library Advisory Committee include: Lisa Hulse (term through January 2007), Yvonne Kimber (term through January 2008), Ellen Rosenbluth (term through January 2008) and Srilatha Gollapalli (term through January 2008).

Cm. Livingstone thanked Mrs. Kimber for reapplying and for donating her time and wonderful work to the committee. Mayor Wilson recognized those appointees who were in the audience and congratulated them on their appointment.

Community Services Division Manager John Skeel gave the report. He requested that the Council appoint the six candidates recommended by the Parks and Community Services Commission (PCSC).

Mayor Wilson requested that the Council appoint the adult candidates and hold the two student member recommendations for discussion by the Policy Committee.

Cm. Livingstone asked for clarification regarding the student members. Mr. Skeel confirmed that the student selected as a regular member has voting power and the student selected for the student member position is a non-voting member. He added that the student filling the regular member position will be 18 in April 2006.

Cm. Hudson asked if both students will turn 18. Mayor Wilson requested that any additional questions be clarified by staff after the meeting.

Cm. Livingstone made a motion to appoint the four non-student candidates. He requested additional discussion on the remaining candidates and their voting status. Mayor Wilson suggested that the Council receive clarification regarding the student appointments and bring the item back at a meeting in March.

Cm. Hudson seconded Cm. Livingstone’s motion. Cm. Livingstone confirmed that there were sufficient members for the Committee to have a quorum. The motion passed 5-0.

The appointments to the Open Space and Conservation Advisory Committee include: Grant Gruber (term through July 2007), Norman Descoteaux (term through July 2008), Jeff Rudden (term through July 2008), and Michael Keatts (term through July 2008).

Cm. Hudson moved that the issue of student membership be referred to the Policy Committee. He asked that Committee recruitments be suspended and that the Committee membership be reduced from eight to seven. Cm. Hudson’s motion to refer the student membership issue for regular seats was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed 5-0.

Mayor Wilson congratulated those candidates who were present on their appointment.

Recreation Services Division Manager Esther Lucas gave the report. She asked the Council to appoint the candidate recommended by the Parks and Community Services Commission (PCSC).

Cm. Livingstone’s motion to appoint Shirley Ernest to the Senior Advisory Committee with a term expiring in April 2008 was seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 5-0.

Mayor Wilson congratulated and thanked Mrs. Ernest on her appointment.

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The City Clerk noted that there were five requests for public comment.

Susan Friedman, former Open Space and Conservation Advisory Committee (OSCAC) member, reported that she spent one and a half years working on General Plan 2020 which the voters overwhelmingly approved. This Plan charged the OSCAC with the important business of acquiring open space lands contiguous to San Ramon. These lands would be protected and preserved for future generations. She indicated that the OSCAC was never intended to be watered down to its current level. She expressed the hope that, with the new Committee members, the OSCAC would resume its task, comply with the General Plan’s intent, and work to keep and maintain open space for the City.

Diane Schinnerer invited the public to attend the world premier of documentary filmmaker Rick Burns’ film on Eugene O’Neill which will be held on Friday, March 3, 2006, at the SBC/AT&T auditorium. It is part of PBS’ American Experience series. Advance ticket purchases are required. Anyone who is interested should contact the Eugene O’Neill Foundation at 820-1818.

Roz Rogoff reported that she has added a new section to her website (www.sanramonobserver.org) which lists pet adoptions, lost and found pets, and pets in need of foster homes. She encouraged anyone who is interested in adopting a pet to check her website or TVAR’s website at www.tvar.org.

Sue Oszewski, SEIU Local 790 Field Representative, spoke on behalf of the Public Services maintenance workers. She noted that the City and Union are in the process of negotiating a contract and that they are interested in reaching a fair and equitable contract settlement in the near future. The Council’s standards for wages and benefits has made San Ramon very competitive among public sector agencies. This policy has resulted in recruiting and retaining the best employees who produce a high quality of work. She expressed the hope that the Council and Union can work together to address the financial issues and employee interests and continue to maintain competitive salaries and benefits.

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Cm. Livingstone’s motion to approve the December 13, 2005 minutes was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0.

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Cm. Livingstone requested Item 8.2 be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Mayor Wilson requested Item 8.6 be removed from the Consent Calendar.

Adoption of Planning Commission By-Laws Amendment.

Resolution No. 2006-02 – Approving the Application for Grant Funds for the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) Grant Funds under the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002 for Forest Home Farms.

Resolution No. 2006-03 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with AJW Construction for the Construction of FY 2005/06 Pavement Repair Stop Gap Project (CIP 5366) in an Amount Not to Exceed $133,000.

Resolution No. 2006-04 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 1 to an Agreement with FloraTech Landscape Management, Inc. to Provide Landscape Maintenance Services for Dougherty Station Community Center and Library in an Annual Amount not to Exceed $12,996.

Resolution No. 2006-05 – Accepting Certain Landscape Parcels in Subdivision 8133, the Landscape Improvements on Those Parcels and all Other Landscape Improvements Contained in the Medians and Parkways of Public Roadways Within this Subdivision for Maintenance (Shapell Industries/The Bridges at Gale Ranch).

Resolution No. 2006-06 – Authorizing the Filing of an Application for Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) Funding for San Ramon Valley Boulevard Overlay – Norris Canyon Road to Crow Canyon Road Project and Committing the Necessary Local Match for the Project and Stating the Assurance of the City of San Ramon to Complete the Project.

Resolution No. 2006-07 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 1 to Extend the Existing Agreement with Finney’s Flooring, Inc. for Carpet Replacement Services in an Amount not to Exceed $134,700.

Resolution No. 2006-08 – Approving the Country Club 76 Car Wash. Cm. Livingstone’s motion to approve consent calendar items 8.1 through 8.12 with the exception of Items 8.2 and 8.6 was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed 5-0.

Resolution No. 2006-01 – Repealing Resolution No. 2004-160 and Adopting by Reference Sections 18702.5 and 18730 of Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations Pertaining to Conflict of Interests and Amending the Fair Political Practices Commission Form 700 Filer Classifications.

Cm. Livingstone requested that the Director of Human Resources be added to Exhibit 2. Cm. Perkins asked which Disclosure Category should be applied. Cm. Livingstone recommended Category 2. Mayor Wilson asked if the Parks and Community Services Commission should be added to Exhibit 2. City Attorney Athan responded that it was not necessary to add this Commission because they do not have the authority to enter into contracts or incur financial obligations. City Manager Moniz noted that the Planning Commission is included because they have planning authority for projects such as the General Plan. The Parks Commission does not have the level of authority of the Council, Planning Commission, or City Department Heads.

Cm. Livingstone’s motion to approve Item 8.2 adding the Human Resources Director at Disclosure Category 2 to Exhibit 2 was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0.

Mayor Wilson informed residents that this is the first time that all five Tri-Valley mayors will be attending the Mayors’ Conference. It is important to lobby as a group to protect residents and obtain our fair share of the transportation and disaster preparedness funds.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to approve Item 8.6 was seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 5-0. Mayor Wilson asked the City Attorney if he should abstain from voting. Mr. Athan remarked that it was not necessary.

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

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Lisa Bobadilla, Transportation Division Manager, provided the report. The project is a cooperative effort between San Ramon, Danville, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the Federal Highway Administration, and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA). She introduced Paul Maxwell, CCTA’s Deputy Director.

Mr. Maxwell addressed the project purpose, funding plan, overview of the mitigation measures, public information program and construction schedule. The project was delayed for two years because of the lack of state funding. Caltrans will administer the project construction. The project will add two auxiliary lanes on I-680 from one on-ramp to the next off-ramp but these lanes will not continue through the interchange area. The project consists of three phases: (1) Diablo Road to Sycamore Valley Road, (2) Sycamore Valley Road to Crow Canyon Road and (3) Crow Canyon Road to Bollinger Canyon Road. The entire project has received environmental clearance but only Phases 1 and 3 are funded. Construction bids will be opened on February 28, 2006 and construction should begin in April or May. Construction will take several years.

He introduced: Mark Sivani, Caltrans Project Manager for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties; Jolie Schneider, Caltrans Resident Engineer; Condor Raj, in charge of design and environmental clearance; and Melissa Lin-Jones, who is responsible for the public information aspect and the project hot line. CCTA has retained a construction management firm, S&C Engineers, to supplement CCTA staff.

Cm. Hudson asked if Segments 1 and 3 are funded. Mr. Maxwell replied that they are. Segment 2 is not fully funded and will cost approximately $40 million.

Cm. Hudson asked if the EIR was approved for the entire project. Mr. Maxwell said that the EIR has cleared. If the project takes longer than ten years, an EIR update is required.

Cm. Livingstone questioned what happens to the sound walls in Segment 1 and the impact on the Park and Ride lot. Mr. Maxwell replied that the old sound walls will be removed and new walls will be built in the right-of way.

Cm. Perkins asked when the funding for Segment 2 will be available. Mr. Maxwell said that they have identified approximately $15-$20 million from Measure C and local fees. Additional funding is needed from the state. He remarked that it was important to complete Segments 1 and 3, evaluate the impact on traffic, and re-evaluate the need for Segment 2. Segment 2 is approximately two miles long which is unusually long for an auxiliary lane.

John Skeel, Division Manager Community Services, provided an overview. He reported that the Library Advisory Committee (LAC) requested additional Volunteer Coordinator hours for the Dougherty Station Library. Staff recommends that the County’s Volunteer Coordinator be utilized to meet this need. He introduced Yvonne Kimber, LAC Chairperson, who provided the LAC Annual Report.

Mrs. Kimber noted that the Report was approved by the LAC on November 2005 and presented to the Parks and Community Services Commission on December 2005. She reviewed the 2005 Calendar Year Accomplishments which included: the planning and opening of the Dougherty Station Library; the plan for the City Center Library; and on-going operations at the San Ramon Library. She commended Joyce Gunn for her outstanding leadership and service. Ms. Kimber reported that a total of 5,428 volunteer hours were provided between January and October 2005.

The Goals for 2006 include: advocating for the building of the City/Civic Center Library; continuing the development of programs and services at the Dougherty Station Library; on-going marketing plan to garner community awareness of library services; Community Outreach with the School District and the Diablo Valley College campus; the addition of a student member to the LAC as recommended by the Committee; advocating for an increase in the hours of the Volunteer Coordinator and additional volunteers; and Service Needs Assessment. The Library Foundation continues their important commitment of supporting library programs, materials and activities which add to the quality of life in San Ramon. She also thanked those who donated to the Library Campaign. She expressed the hope that there will soon be positive action on the City Center.

Mayor Wilson thanked Mrs. Kimber, the LAC, the Library Foundation and library staff for exceeding the community’s expectations, providing excellence for the library patrons, and adding new and innovative programs while maintaining the old ones.

Mrs. Kimber acknowledged Pauline Nolte and her outstanding leadership.

Cm. Perkins requested a status report on the progress of the Capitol Campaign. Ms. Nolte reported that $60,000 was raised. The goal was $200,000.

Mayor Wilson requested information on the volunteer coordinator. Mr. Skeel responded that the City’s current volunteer coordinator works 30 hours per week. Staff recommends that the County provide the additional needs of the Dougherty Station Library. Mayor Wilson asked what could be done to expedite the process. Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio stated that the County’s full time volunteer coordinator does not contribute much time to the San Ramon Library and staff’s direction to the County is to utilize that person at the Dougherty Station Library. Mayor Wilson clarified that his remarks were not a criticism but an indication that the Council is interested in helping.

Marc Fontes, Economic Development Director, reported that the Tri-Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has initiated a new funding mechanism. On September 13, 2005, the City Council consented to the inclusion of San Ramon into the Tri-Valley Tourism Business Improvement District (TVTBID) being formed by the City of Pleasanton. The City of Pleasanton held the final hearing to establish the TVTBID on December 6, 2005. The final step for San Ramon is to authorize the City as an agent to collect the fees and forward the funds to the City of Pleasanton to submit them to the CVB.

Cm. Hudson asked why the PG&E/Conference Center is not included. Mr. Fontes responded that the District exempts facilities that have 35 units or less. The PG&E facility is primarily a facility for their employees and does not market their facility to the general public. Therefore, the facility was exempted in the formation of the District.

Mayor Wilson questioned if a methodology exists to enable the City to withdraw from the District. Mr. Fontes clarified that it is the lodging facilities within the City limits and not the City who can withdraw. The District is established for five years and then must be renewed. The opportunity to withdraw from the District would be available at that time. The CVB must perform well in order to retain the support of the lodging facilities.

Cm. Livingstone’s motion to approve Resolution No. 2006-09 was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0.

Mayor Wilson requested a five minute break. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Mayor Wilson reconvened the meeting at 9:00 p.m.

John Skeel, Division Manager Community Services, provided the background and history of the park design. Three public workshops were help to obtain citizen input. On December 14, 2005, the Parks and Community Services Commission (PCSC) unanimously accepted the park design. Mr. Skeel introduced Cinda Gilliland of SWA Group who is a landscape architect for Shapell Industries.

Ms. Gilliland reviewed the components of the 30 acre park. Amenities include: two natural turf soccer fields; a 90’ dedicated baseball field; a lighted regulation soccer field and overlapping 60’ baseball field with artificial surfacing; an extensive playground area featuring two age group play structures, a "wet play" water park like feature, extensive large and small group picnic areas; adjoining volleyball and basketball courts; adjoining bocce courts; a BMX track; an open meadow; amphitheater/stage area adjacent to the soccer fields; 9 hole disc golf course; restrooms; concession area and maintenance shed and large number of parking spaces for over 350 vehicles along the entire length of the access loop road. An opportunity for public art exists at the main entrances to the park from Dougherty Road as well as within the plaza areas of the park. There is a trail connection from the park site to the adjoining open space for hikers, bikers and possible equestrian uses. The park includes the required features for stormwater management.

Cm. Perkins stated that he studied the theatre plans and that he visited the Wente Vineyards amphitheatre. He suggested a more permanent amphitheatre with terraced seating be located in place of the bocce ball area. He asked that the PCSC, City staff and the architect consider a design for an amphitheatre of the proper scale, size, dimensions and seating in the vicinity of the bocce ball courts. He suggested that the current amphitheatre could be replaced by bocce ball courts or additional parking. He expressed a preference for a more permanent amphitheatre, facing north with a band shell to deflect sound to the north. The proposed amphitheatre would be located at least 700 feet from the nearest residence. He asked staff to do a sound transmission calculation on nearby homes.

Mayor Wilson asked if this request needs to be in the form of a motion. The City Attorney stated that the Council is giving guidance and direction to staff unless a member of the City Council objects to the request.

Cm. Hudson asked about the disposition of the original proposed amphitheatre in the hills. Ms. Gilliland said that it was not allowed by the regulatory agencies. Mr. Eorio stated that the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Fish and Game Department do not allow any change to the topography or landscaping in the open space. There is a trail system which will go into the hills to the water tanks, connect to the Bent Creek/Old Ranch Estates neighborhood and on to the ridgeline and drop in above the Dougherty Hills. Other uses in the open space are not allowed. The trails will be fenced.

Cm. Hudson asked if there will be a connection to the potential cross-valley trail. Mr. Eorio stated that they are working
on it.

Cm. Perkins stated that the City is not allowed to plant additional trees in the open space.

Ms. Gilliland stated that that is correct.

Mayor Wilson expressed concern about the use of the fireplace. Mr. Eorio stated that the City does not have a fireplace in its other parks but this is a common feature in other parks with sheltered picnic areas such as Mt. Diablo State Park. The Fire District has been contacted and will provide input to assure safety. This feature is proposed as a nice amenity for the picnic area on chilly evenings. Mr. Eorio anticipates that the hearthscape and irrigated landscape around the group picnic area will mitigate any safety issues.

Mayor Wilson also expressed concern about the amount of parking spaces and the distance from parking to different play areas. Ms. Gilliland stated that the park design is well interlaced with paths. Mayor Wilson asked if park users can create ‘short cuts’. Ms. Gilliland stated that there are plans for low fencing in locations which have the potential for cross traffic and that the number of entrances will be limited.

Mayor Wilson asked if there is an educational component planned for the age 1-6 play area. Ms. Gilliland said that there is musical hopscotch, gardens, farm equipment, etc.

Mayor Wilson requested that an educational as well as a recreational component be incorporated. He suggested that a water feature be integrated with music. Ms. Gilliland responded that they will explore these features and evaluate the budget.

Mayor Wilson suggested that the music path engage all forms of music and emphasize the educational aspects. He also suggested an area to exhibit local artists.

Vice Mayor Rowley stated she was pleased with the variety of activities and the organization by age groups. She questioned if the soccer field is needed for amphitheatre seating. Ms. Gilliland stated that the stage is raised and the field provides seating.

Vice Mayor Rowley added that she likes this plan because it is very versatile and free flowing and meets the needs of the people at the park.

Ms. Gilliland said that earlier plans had considered locating the amphitheatre near the bocce ball area. This plan was discarded because of the proximity to the neighbors. Another consideration is that, although the structure might be nice, the bocce ball location does not provide as nice a background setting as the current proposal. They believe that the proposed amphitheatre would allow double use of the fields.

Vice Mayor Rowley suggested that the terraced effect might be better suited for the San Ramon Community Center.

Cm. Perkins stated that, with the current proposal, using the amphitheatre precludes use of one soccer field. His proposal allows for the simultaneous use of both soccer fields, bocce ball courts and the amphitheatre provided there is sufficient parking. He asked if there are sufficient benches located in the children’s play areas. Ms. Gilliland said yes.

Cm. Livingstone concurred with Cm. Perkins regarding investigating site options. The amphitheatre in Cm. Perkins’ proposal would be more than twice as far away from housing as what is currently proposed. He questioned the importance of the bocce ball courts and the amount of use that they will receive since he believes that parking will be at a premium. Ms. Gilliland said that eight bocce ball courts are needed for tournaments which could be a revenue generator for the City.

Mayor Wilson asked if bocce ball is popular. Mr. Eorio responded that the trend in recreation is an increased demand for bocce ball. He noted that San Ramon does not have a bocce ball tournament facility and this may explain why the courts are not used as much as in other cities. Bocce ball provides good intergenerational and family oriented recreation. Like disc golf, this is a new venue for San Ramon. The goal is self-recreation which does not require a recreation leader to plan or organize. He added that the park will be a maintenance intensive park costing approximately $600,000 per year.

Mayor Wilson asked how long the PCSC has been working on the park design. Mr. Eorio said that the first conceptual plan of the Dougherty Valley included a single 72 acre park in the 1990’s. This was not feasible and so Dougherty Valley has a 30 acre park, an 11 acre sports park and several 4-5 acre neighborhood parks. Once this park was finally located in Gale Ranch IV, planning discussions began about three years ago. Problems with the bio-retention basin design delayed progress of the plans.

Mayor Wilson commented that the PCSC takes ownership of the park design since they have been working on it for many years. When a project is presented to the Council from a Commission, he stated that he does not want one person to be able to send the plan back to the Commission without the majority support of the Council for the request. He said that sending the plan back to the PCSC for review indicates that the Council is in agreement and that the plan should be reevaluated and resubmitted to the Council.

Vice Mayor Rowley asked Mr. Eorio for more information on the procedure.

Mr. Eorio stated that the staff will review the request with the PCSC at a public meeting.

Carol Lopez, member of the PCSC, reported that the Commission gave the park design a great deal of thought and considered the public comments at each hearing. The PCSC felt that the design incorporated a wonderful way to learn through play. The park included places for art. The bocce ball court provides revenue. The park does not require additional staff for activities. Minimal use of the amphitheatre during the year would not conflict with soccer games. She added that the PCSC was assured that there was adequate parking, that there would not be a problem with short cuts, and that it was a good utilization of the natural land terrace. With a raised stage, the PCSC did not feel the need for terraced seating. They felt that the overall park design was good and that the community was also satisfied with the proposal.

Mayor Wilson opened the public comment.

Jim Eaneman stated that he attended all of the public hearings. He felt that the PCSC had arrived at a workable compromise and stated that it is late in the ball game to take something as serious as the amphitheatre and change the design with scant attention to the bare minimum of noise calculations. He reminded the Council that this plan makes a very valid and conscientious attempt to minimize the impact of grading the rolling hills to this format. The trees will mitigate the impact of the site line for homeowners. He endorses the concept of education, learning, and arts which are all addressed in the plan. This is a broad concept approved by the PCSC with the details to be worked out during the development phase. He urged the Council to go forward with the plan and expressed opposition to relocating the amphitheatre. Mayor Wilson closed the public comment.

Cm. Hudson said that he did not understand the correlation between the two separate plans that are being identified, how they are so vastly different and how they would affect the neighbors. He remarked that the current amphitheatre at Central Park is about 700 feet from Vista San Ramon and has not resulted in decreased property values. He anticipates that the entire park project will be a plus for the area. He felt it was important to look at two different ideas. He would like the PCSC to review and evaluate the request from Cm. Perkins. He acknowledged that it was late in the game but did not want to ignore the possibility that this might be a better plan. He added that amphitheatres can be used for a variety of purposes.

Cm. Perkins thanked staff for bringing the plan to the Council for review. He acknowledged that it is awkward to introduce ideas after a considerable amount of time and effort have been expended. He admitted that it is a quandary in terms of when Council comments should have been made. There is a problem with the Council participating in Commission activities and public forums. He invited any suggestions on when would be a better time for the Council to weigh in on projects. He observed a contradiction in the amphitheatre arguments. Either the amphitheatre is not a big impact on the soccer fields because it won’t be used frequently or it is a used a lot and negatively impacts the soccer fields. Moving the amphitheatre to the south eliminates any conflict for using the fields for soccer or for amphitheatre seating. If the soccer fields, bocce courts and amphitheatre operate as three independent events, they don’t directly impact one another and the only problem is whether or not there is adequate parking.

Cm. Livingstone discussed the distance from the existing amphitheatre location to housing. Cm. Perkins said that the current design has 250 to 450 feet between the amphitheatre and housing and his proposal sets the distance at 700 feet. Cm. Livingstone said that 700 feet does not support the idea that the proposed amphitheatre location will negatively impact the neighbors. He added that he does not view Cm. Perkins’ proposal as a negative. He thinks the proposed plan has merit and would like to see it evaluated. He liked the terracing effect for the amphitheatre. He remarked that the current system provides the correct opportunity for the Council participation.

Mayor Wilson responded that Council input should be given at a Council meeting rather than a PCSC meeting. Cm. Perkins agreed with the Mayor’s statement but said that he was anxious to hear alternative suggestions. He remarked that the current plan is a high quality plan with excellent features and serves the need of the community. He looks forward to bringing his family to the park.

Cm. Perkins made a motion that the PCSC, City staff and architect: (1) consider putting a small amphitheatre scaled for space and available parking where the eight bocce courts are presently; (2) consider putting the bocce courts, if desired, in the vicinity of the existing stage or putting parking in the vicinity of the existing stage; and (3) do some limited but important sound evaluations for the nearest neighbors at both locations. The motion was seconded by Cm. Livingstone. Mayor Wilson requested that the motion be amended to eliminate the word "limited". He added that there should be adequate sound evaluation. Cm. Perkins accepted the amendment to his motion. The City Clerk requested clarification of the amendment. Cm. Perkins stated that the change is from a "limited evaluation of the sound transmission and effect on immediate neighbors" to "a more complete and adequate evaluation of the sound transmission". Cm. Perkins noted that the sound evaluation would be done for both the current and proposed locations.

Cm. Livingstone seconded the motion.

Vice Mayor Rowley asked if this action would slow down the approval process. Mr. Eorio said that it would delay the process by several months while the PCSC reviews the new design, conducts public hearings, and returns recommendations to the Council.

Mayor Wilson said that, although he was concerned about the delay, the City has only one opportunity to do the park correctly. He would be remiss if the City did not evaluate this option. He noted that this is the Council’s only opportunity to voice their opinion. He requested a roll call vote. Cms. Hudson, Livingstone, and Perkins and Mayor Wilson voted aye. Vice Mayor Rowley voted no. The motion carried 4-1.

City Manager Herb Moniz welcomed the Council to 2006.

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Cm. Perkins reported that he will not be attending the January 24, 2006 Council meeting.

Cm. Hudson complimented Mayor Wilson on his "State of the City" address. He added that he was impressed with the direction of the City. He encouraged residents to view it on Channel 26.

Cm. Livingstone requested an extension for the microphone at the podium so that speakers could work their power point presentations and still be heard.

Vice Mayor Rowley invited the public to attend the February 11, 2006 Crab Feed. It will be held at Dougherty Station and is sponsored by the San Ramon Historic Foundation. Tickets are $35 per person and the proceeds will benefit the restoration of historic properties at Forest Home Farms.

Mayor Wilson adjourned the Council meeting at 10:14 p.m. The Council reconvened to Closed Session at 10:18 p.m.

At 10:23 p.m., the Mayor reported that the Council approved the recommendations of the negotiating committee.

There being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 10:24 p.m.

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

Approved at the January 24, 2006 City Council meeting, 3-0; Perkins and Wilson absent.