MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held on August 22, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2222 Camino Ramon, Mayor Wilson presiding. The Council met in closed session pursuant to Government Code §54957 to interview applicants for the Economic Development Advisory Committee.

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

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Herb Moniz, City Attorney By Athan, Public Services Operations Manger Jeff Gault, Economic Development Director Marc Fontes, Transportation Specialist PJ Sekhon, Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla, Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio, Planning Services Manager Debbie Chamberlain, Planning Director Phil Wong, and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

* * * *

At 7:15 p.m., Mayor Wilson reconvened the meeting. All Councilmembers were in attendance. The Council met in closed session pursuant to Government Code §54957 to interview applicants for the Economic Development Advisory Committee. No action was taken by the Council.

* * * *

David Crinnion, Chris Graham, Nic Graham, Ryan Hansen, Kyle Lark, Andrew Ramirez, Matt Ramirez and Matthew Ridgers, members of Cub Scout Pack 841 from Walt Disney School, led the Council, staff, and the audience in the pledge of allegiance.

Mayor Wilson asked if there were any changes or additions to the agenda. The City Clerk noted there were none.

Mayor Wilson asked if there were any changes or additions to the Boards, Committee and Commission meetings schedule. The City Clerk reported that the Policy Committee meeting scheduled for August 23, 2006 has been cancelled. A special Finance Committee meeting will be held at 4:00 p.m. on August 30, 2006. A special Transportation Advisory Committee meeting has been scheduled for September 7, 2006 at 6:30 p.m.

* * * *

Police Chief Scott Holder introduced Crime Prevention Specialist Darlene Kittredge and Office Specialist Kelly O'Friel. Mayor Wilson welcomed them to the City family and presented each of them with a City pin and a rose.

Police Chief Scott Holder introduced Officer Scott Dickerson, Officer Jamie Rodriguez, and Officer Jim Springer and reviewed their careers in law enforcement. Mayor Wilson pinned police badges onto Officers Rodriguez and Springer. Mrs. Dickerson pinned the police badge onto her husband, Officer Dickerson. The Mayor presented each officer with a City pin and presented Mrs. Dickerson with a rose. He stated that San Ramon strives for the best. The Police team is part of the San Ramon family. On behalf of the Council and staff, he welcomed the officers and their families to the City.

Public Services Operations Manger Jeff Gault introduced Mike Pella, Streets Program Maintenance Technician, and noted that he is an excellent, enthusiastic addition to the City. Mayor Wilson welcomed Mr. Pella to the City, presented him with a City pin, and stated that the City is fortunate to have staff that care about their work and the City.

* * * *

Economic Development Director Marc Fontes provided the report. The City Clerk instructed the Council regarding the ballot procedures. Mr. Fontes assisted with the ballot tabulation. Mayor Wilson announced that Victor de Melo and Chad Johnson were selected to fill the vacancies on the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC). Mayor Wilson noted that the selection process was difficult because of the quality of the applicants. He thanked all the residents who applied and are willing to serve their City.

Cm. Perkins’ motion to appoint Victor de Melo and Chad Johnson to the EDAC with terms to run through January 2008 was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 5-0.

* * * *

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

Joyce Stolzy voiced her support for the businesses in Beta Court because they are important to the City. She noted that they were worried about possible repercussions from the Crow Canyon Specific Plan which might put them out of business.

Toby Brink, president and CEO of the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce, announced his resignation effective September 1, 2006. He has accepted a position with the Tri- Valley Business Council. He stated that it had been a pleasure to work with Mayor Wilson, the Council, and staff. On behalf of the Council, Mayor Wilson thanked Mr. Brink for his contributions to the community and wished him well in his new position.

Dale Halterman, 2006 Chairman of the Board of the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce, invited residents to attend a farewell reception for Mr. Brink. It will be held at the San Ramon Community Center on August 31, 2006 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A card will also be available to be signed at the Chamber office, 12667 Alcosta Boulevard, Suite 160.

California High School principal Mark Corti provided an update on the construction at the school. The three-story building which houses 63 classrooms will open on August 23, 2006. School starts on August 28, 2006. The new library media center has a state of the art, 36 station computer lab. Ken Nelson, assistant principal, thanked Ms. Bobadilla and the City for their assistance with the parking problem at the school which has been compounded by the construction. He acknowledged that parking will continue to be a problem until the construction is completed. The school has implemented a carpool parking program. Students who park off campus are instructed regarding the School’s procedures and expected behavior.

* * * *

Cm. Perkins’ motion to approve the August 8, 2006 minutes was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 5-0.

* * * *

Resolution 2006-120 – Approving the Statement of Investment Policy for 2006-2007.

Resolution No. 2006-122 – Authorizing the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Azari Engineering, Inc. for Inspection Services for Construction of Alcosta Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation Project (CIP 5366) and other Engineering Inspection Projects in an Amount not to Exceed $104,000.

Resolution No. 2006-123 – Approving the City of San Ramon Measure C Growth Management Program Compliance Checklist for Allocation of Fiscal Years 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 Local Street Maintenance and Improvement Funds and Authorizing Staff to Submit Compliance Checklist to Contra Costa Transportation Authority.

Resolution No. 2006-125 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Sealant Technologies, Inc. for the Renovation of the Joint Sealant on the West Wing and Portions of the North and South Wall of the East Wing of the San Ramon Community Center in an Amount not to Exceed $89,964.

Resolution No. 2006-126 – Authorizing the Award of Bid to Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery for the Purchase of Replacement Plant Material in the City Parks and Landscape and Lighting District in an Amount not to Exceed $57,850 for FY 2006/07.

Resolution No. 2006-127 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Azari Engineering, Inc. for Engineering Design Services for the FYs 2005/06 and 2006/07 Pavement Management Projects (CIPs 5366 and 5397) and the Norris Canyon Road Reconstruction Project (CIP 5468) in an Amount not to Exceed $298,000.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to approve consent calendar items 8.1, 8.2, 8.4, 8.5, 8.8, 8.9 and 8.10 was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 5-0.

Resolution No. 2006-121 – Authorizing the City Engineer to Purchase a 1½ Inch East Bay Municipal Utility District Water Meter for the Construction of Crow Canyon Corridor Improvement - Phase II , CIP Project Nos. 7114, 7127, 7129, 7130, 8125 and 8168 in an Amount Not to Exceed $123,396.

Roz Rogoff spoke on behalf of Paul Mitchell and voiced his concern that, since EBMUD is the sole provider, that bids were not solicited for this meter.

City Manager Herb Moniz stated that EBMUD is the water provided for the City and their price for water meters is what the City will have to pay.

Mayor Wilson added that EBMUD is providing the meter at an acceptable price range.

Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla stated that the purpose of the program is to improve bicycling, walking and traffic safety at and around the school sites. She added that Transportation Specialist PJ Sekhon works with the elementary schools to develop safe routes to school for children.

Mayor Wilson complimented staff for the Annual Report. He encouraged residents to review the report which will be available at the schools and on the City’s web site.

Cm. Perkins asked how many of last year’s recommendations were implemented.

Ms. Sekhon stated that all of the recommendations regarding improvements on the City right-of-way, City road ways, and the warrant studies that were recommended have been completed. Some of last year’s recommendations regarding school driveways and working with school staff are still in progress.

Cm. Perkins asked if this Report has been presented to the School Board.

Ms. Bobadilla stated that the Report has not previously been presented to the Board.

Cm. Perkins requested that staff present the Report to the School Board and asked staff to highlight the areas in which problems still exist.

Vice Mayor Rowley noted that the City meets monthly with the School District and Ms. Bobadilla has presented information on Street Smarts and Safe Routes to School.

Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla noted that this Kit is an extension of the General Plan’s Traffic and Circulation policies which are aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility throughout neighborhoods.
Several changes were recommended including: development of a standardized petition process; implementing neighborhood boundaries around a residential traffic calming area; developing a moratorium period; and inclusion of radar speed display signs in the Tool Kit. She asked the Council to provide their comments for incorporation into the final Handbook.

Cm. Livingstone complimented Ms. Bobadilla for her excellent work. He made two requests regarding the printing format
for the final Handbook.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to approve consent calendar items 8.3, 8.6, and 8.7 was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and
passed 5-0.

Resolution No. 2006-128 – Authorizing the Mayor to execute an Agreement with Kattenburg Architects for Architectural Services for Design and During Construction of the Senior Center Expansion Project (CIP 5424) and the Senior Center Roof Covering Maintenance Project (CIP 5433) in an amount not to exceed $123,000.

Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio requested that item 8.11 be continued to September 12, 2006.

* * * *

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

* * * *

Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio provided the report and reviewed the process involved in developing a new Master Plan. Previous Master Plans were developed in 1987 and 1996. The Master Plan provides guidance to the City Council, Parks and Community Services Commission, Planning Commission, staff, various advisory committees and the general public regarding the actions necessary to implement the General Plan policies as related to parks, community facilities, recreation and community service programs. He believes that the City’s success of the parks, recreation and programming is due to adherence to the policy established by the Parks Master Plan.

This Plan will involve staff, commission and the community in a participatory process and cover all aspects of the Department’s operations. This update will include research, analysis, opportunities and strategies that will guide the Department for the next ten years. These elements will include a recreation needs assessment, recommendations on programming, park development, business planning and staffing. Public participation will continue through the entire process with meetings, workshops, interviews, and focus groups. In addition to reviewing existing plans, documents, data, and other resources to access the needs of the residents of the City of San Ramon, a telephone survey will be conducted to assess the City’s offerings of services, programs, parks, and facilities.

Staff met with the Finance Committee on August 16, 2006. The Finance Committee reviewed the scope of work and consultant proposal and recommended staff present the budget amendment to the City Council for their approval. The Finance Committee also recommended expanding the telephone survey to 600 interviews to allow the gathering of information from specific geographic areas (east, west, and south) in the City and provide information specific to these areas such as under grounding utilities, renovation, cultural/demographic changes, and growth issues citywide.

Cm. Perkins asked at what point in the process the City Council will provide input.

Mr. Eorio responded that the Council will be provided with periodic updates throughout the process. He anticipates that the Council will provide a liaison to the stakeholders groups. The survey questions will be provided to the Council for review and comments prior to distribution. The Council will review the final Plan prior to its adoption.

Cm. Perkins’ motion to adopt Resolution No. 2006-129 was seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 5-0.

Planning Services Manager Debbie Chamberlain reviewed the Crow Canyon Specific Plan (CCSP) and the staff’s recommended action. She introduced Jim Adams and Walter Rask, consultants with the ROMA Design Group. Mr. Adams provided an overview of several projects designed and completed by ROMA. Mr. Rask stated that the General Plan required a specific plan for the Crow Canyon area and set specific targets for residential and commercial development. Some of the residential and commercial numbers in the proposed CCSP differ from the General Plan therefore requiring the General Plan Amendment. Mr. Rask noted that one of the Crow Canyon Advisory Committee’s goals was to ensure that existing viable businesses can continue to operate as redevelopment occurs. The Advisory Committee considered three alternatives: a new downtown commercial emphasis; a neighborhood residential emphasis; and the mixed-use emphasis or village center. The Committee reached consensus on a preferred plan on October 27, 2003. The preferred plan called for the development of up to 735 residential units (25% affordable), up to 200,000 square feet of neighborhood-serving retail uses oriented to Old Crow Canyon Road and up to 200,000 square feet of commercial in-fill along San Ramon Valley Boulevard. The Planning Commission’s (PC) primary issues regarding the proposed plan focused on the number of residential units, the status of service-commercial uses, where housing should be permitted, and the loop road. On May 2, 2006, the PC finalized their proposal.

Mayor Wilson opened the public comment.

Ted Mendelson stated that the CCSP as recommended by the PC is a good compromise. He asked the Council to support the PC’s recommendations.

Todd Muenter commended ROMA for their efforts. From a developer’s perspective, he asked that the Council give as much flexibility as possible to the Plan so that densities and FARs could be transferred among properties without going through the plan process.

Ben Mendoza, a Danville resident, expressed concern regarding the workforce housing, the possibility of Section 8 housing, and that the proposed three story housing would impact the views of the Danville Ranch HOA.

Pat Tuohy provided several issues for the Council’s consideration. The primary objective of the Plan is to increase the commercial effectiveness of the Crow Canyon area. This goal may be subverted if properties which should be commercial become residential. He suggested that a controlling mechanism be placed on the residential development so that residential development follows, rather than precedes, commercial development. The area should have a unique designation or name, identified by signage and used in promotional efforts. The City should partner with merchants to form a specific merchant’s association. The City has not provided enough incentives for property owners, especially on San Ramon Valley Boulevard, to improve their property. A timeline should be established to evaluate progress toward this goal.

Geoff Johnson commented that he feels good about the project and the efforts that have created the CCSP which incorporates the concerns of business owners. The services on Beta Court will blend well with the mix of housing and retail that are proposed. He suggested that the Council support the CCSP.

Melanie Prole remarked that the automotive businesses in the CCSP are not a blight. She appreciates their convenience as a quality of life issue. She asked the Council to support the CCSP and the automotive businesses in that area.

Hassan Sharifi invited the public to attend the Street Smarts/Character Counts! Skate Nights at the Golden Skate. As a business owner and member of the CCSP Advisory Committee, he supports the PC’s proposed CCSP.

Roz Rogoff stated that the CCSP is a good Plan supported by many people and suggested that the Council adopt it. She asked that the Council review the Northwest Specific Plan (NWSP) in conjunction with the CCSP because the properties are adjacent to each other.

Mayor Wilson closed the public comment. He added that the Council does examine the interrelationships of the City’s specific plans.

Cm. Livingstone asked why ROMA was selected for the project.

Planning Director Phil Wong responded that ROMA is the best firm for this type of work because their plans have proven to be implementable and successful.

Cm. Hudson added that ROMA was selected because the citizens voted for a specific plan in Crow Canyon and the Northwest when they passed the General Plan in 2002. He noted that the Council is looking at the interrelationship between the CCSP and the NWSP. He added that all development in Danville and San Ramon requires traffic studies because of the Dougherty Valley Settlement Agreement.

Mayor Wilson continued the public hearing to the next Council meeting.

Cm. Hudson asked the City Attorney for clarification regarding the process. Mr. Athan noted that unlike a General Plan Amendment, the Ordinance needs to be introduced but does not require three public hearings.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to introduce the Ordinance, waive the reading, and continue to the September 12, 2006 meeting was seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 5-0.

* * * *

City Manager Herb Moniz reported that the City Attorney and he attended a Gaming Commission Hearing on August 17, 2006 regarding the gaming license for The Outpost Casino. The Commission decided that they needed more information and requested that the item be reconsidered at their August 31, 2006 meeting or next regular meeting.

* * * *

The Councilmembers had no reports.

Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla provided the Council with a brief history and an update regarding the Southwest Area Transportation (SWAT) action related to the Caldecott Tunnel Improvement Project.

Cm. Perkins asked what the cost differential is between a two versus three lane bore.

Ms. Bobadilla reported that two lanes will cost approximately $285 million and three lanes will cost approximately $340 million.

Cm. Perkins noted that the fourth bore will eliminate switching bore traffic at peak commute times. It favors the east bound counter commute from Alameda County more than the west bound Contra Costa County commute. He asked how much funding was being provided by Alameda County.

Ms. Bobadilla responded that, to her knowledge, Alameda County is not contributing toward the project.

Cm. Perkins noted that the primary beneficiaries are not paying for the fourth tunnel bore.

Cm. Hudson stated that the major contributor to the project is the advancement of funds from Measure J with the stipulation that the funds be spent in three years. A delay in plan development will negatively impact funding.

Cm. Livingstone asked for the logic in selecting the two lane versus the three lane option.

Cm. Hudson responded that it makes more sense to pursue the two lane option because Alameda County is not widening their side of the Caldecott and a third lane through the tunnel would not be met with a corresponding lane on the other side of the tunnel.

Cm. Perkins stated his support for the project and added that CCTA and SWAT should encourage Alameda County to financially support the new Caldecott Tunnel bore.

Mayor Wilson noted that the cost of the project will probably exceed the estimate.

Mayor Wilson invited citizens to attend the Arts Walk at Dougherty Station Community Center on September 23 and 24, 2006 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. He encouraged residents to participate in the 911 ceremony at the All Wars Memorial in Danville on September 11, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. He also encouraged residents to enjoy the California Symphony performance at Central Park on Sunday, September 17, 2006. Cm. Perkins noted that the California Symphony was voted the best symphony in the country by Readers Digest. Last year’s event was very enjoyable and the Symphony provided an excellent variety of music.

There being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 9:37 p.m.

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

Approved at the September 26, 2006 City Council meeting, 4-0 Perkins absent.