MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

October 10, 2006

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held October 10, 2006 at 7:11 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2222 Camino Ramon, Mayor Wilson presiding.

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

ABSENT: Councilmember Livingstone.

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Herb Moniz, City Attorney By Athan, Police Chief Scott Holder, Engineering Services Director Joye Fukuda, Planning Services Manager Debbie Chamberlain, Associate Planner Sara Buizer and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

* * * *

Sara Turner 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 reported that there was a request for a Closed Session. Cm. Hudson’s motion that the Council needs to take immediate action was seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 4-0. Cm. Hudson’s motion that the matter came to the Council’s attention after the agenda was posted was seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 4-0. Cm. Livingstone was absent. The Closed Session will be held after the Council meeting and is pursuant to Government Code 54956.9 (2) A to confer with the City Attorney concerning facts and circumstances that might result in litigation and which the City Attorney believes are not known to potential plaintiffs.

Mayor Wilson asked if there were any changes or additions to the Boards, Committee and Commission meetings schedule. The City Clerk noted there were none.

* * * *

Kirby Hoy, principal of Iron Horse Middle School, and Mark Corti, principal of California High School accepted proclamations from Mayor Wilson recognizing their schools as 2006 No Child Left Behind – Blue Ribbon Schools. This recognition by the U.S. Department of Education was awarded to 31 public schools in California and only four in Contra Costa County. Mayor Wilson remarked that San Ramon is fortunate to have principals that care and give 200% to their students. Mr. Hoy noted that Iron Horse School is celebrating its tenth anniversary. He is proud to be part of this community which supports schools and in which education is a priority. Mr. Corti added that their success depends on support from the community, caring parents, City Council and staff.

Recognition Sara Turner as the Winner of the Mayor’s Choice Award at the San Ramon Arts Walk & Festival.

Mayor Wilson presented Sara Turner, a sixth grader at Windemere Ranch Middle School, with a certificate acknowledging her as the winner of the 2006 Mayor’s Choice Award at the San Ramon Arts Walk & Festival. Mayor Wilson stressed the importance of art in the community. Ms. Turner donated a copy of her painting to the City. The original will be on display at Mudd’s Restaurant for the next few weeks.

Mark Ballock, Chair of the San Ramon Arts Foundation, and Will Doerlich, Chairman of the Arts Advisory Committee accepted the proclamation from Mayor Wilson. Mr. Ballock commented that it is a pleasure to work with the City in a great partnership. Mr. Doerlich thanked the Council for the proclamation and accepted it on behalf of the Arts Advisory Committee. The Committee is dedicated to bringing together all the community elements needed to support and promote cultural arts in San Ramon.

Mayor Wilson presented the certificate to Marci McGuire, program manager for the Bishop Ranch Transportation Center. Ms. McGuire said that it is a pleasure to serve the community. Mr. Peter Oswald, Sunset Development’s Senior Vice President, stated that the program at Bishop Ranch is successful because it has the commitment of top management, a tremendous working relationship with County Connection and the City, and especially because of Ms. McGuire’s dedication to the program’s success.

Officer Jennifer Yen accepted the proclamation. She described the principles of the Character Counts! program and presented the Council with Character Counts! pins. Mayor Wilson noted that the program has established a core of shared ethical values that provide a framework for the development of character education programs. These values include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. The program provides students with tools that they can use throughout their lives.

Recognition of Robin Bartlett as City of San Ramon Employee of the Month for October 2006.

Engineering Services Director Joye Fukuda introduced Assistant Engineer Robin Bartlett, the City’s Employee of the Month for October 2006. He was recognized for his work coordinating the San Ramon creek clean-up. Mayor Wilson presented him with a certificate and a gold star paper weight. Mr. Bartlett thanked Ms. Fukuda, Ms. Robinson, and the Public Services staff for their assistance in this recognition.

* * * *

* * * *

The City Clerk noted that there was one request for public comment.

Lisa Hallas invited the community to attend the 12^th Annual Talent Show benefiting the Contra Costa and Solano County Food Bank. The event will be held on October 20, 2006 at the San Ramon Community Center. This event is sponsored by orthodontist Dr. Sandy Bigman. Admission is free with the donation of a nonperishable food item. Food donations will also be accepted at Dr. Bigman’s office located at 525 Bollinger Canyon Way, San Ramon. Cm. Hudson commended Dr. Bigman for his efforts.

* * * *

Vice Mayor Rowley’s motion to approve the September 26, 2006 minutes was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 3-0. Cm. Perkins abstained. Cm. Livingstone was absent.

* * * *

Resolution No. 2006-144 – Accepting Certain Roadway and Stormdrain Dedications and Improvements in Subdivision 8564 for Maintenance (Shapell Industries/Coronado at Gale Ranch).

Resolution No. 2006-145 – Authorizing the Parks and Community Services Department Director to Enter into Contracts with Christie Tomlinson in an Annual "Not to Exceed" Amount of $60,000 for Fiscal Year 2006/07.

Resolution No. 2006-146 – Authorizing the Parks and Community Services Department Director to Enter into Contracts with Skyhawks Sports Academy in an Annual "Not to Exceed" Amount of $55,000 for Fiscal Year 2006/07.

Resolution No. 2006-147 – Authorizing the Parks and Community Services Department Director to Enter into Contracts with Kris Milligan in an Annual "Not to Exceed" Amount of $99,000 for Fiscal Year 2006/07.

Resolution No. 2006-148 – Authorizing the Parks and Community Services Department Director to Enter into Contracts with On the Ball Sports in an Annual "Not to Exceed" Amount of $65,000 for Fiscal Year 2006/07.

Resolution No. 2006-149 – Authorizing the Parks and Community Services Department Director to Enter into Contracts with Kids Take the Stage in an Annual "Not to Exceed" Amount of $70,000 for Fiscal Year 2006/07.

Resolution No. 2006-150 – Authorizing the Parks and Community Services Department Director to Enter into Contracts with Mad Science Mt. Diablo in an Annual "Not to Exceed" Amount of $60,000 for Fiscal Year 2006/07.

Resolution No. 2006-151 – Authorizing the Parks and Community Services Department Director to Enter into Contracts with One-On-One Basketball in an Annual "Not to Exceed" Amount of $55,000 for Fiscal Year 2006/07.

Resolution No. 2006-152 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Aztec Consultants for Cost Estimating, Constructability Review and Construction Administration/Inspection Services for the Senior Center Expansion Project (CIP 5424) in an Amount not to Exceed $297,000.

Cm. Perkins’ motion to approve consent calendar items 8.1 through 8.4 was seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 4-0. Cm. Livingstone was absent.

* * * *

Planning Services Manager Debbie Chamberlain provided the report and staff’s response to the issues raised at the September 26, 2006 Council meeting. These included: the retention of viable businesses; conflicts between new and existing uses; the Crow Canyon Specific Plan (CCSP) as a "Town Concept"; if adequate parking is provided; whether the Draft Environmental Impact Report considered relocating the Recycling Center; a request to modify the 100-foot creek structure setback and compliance with Ordinance 197.

Cm. Perkins asked if the Council will be able to reevaluate the creek setback and do an environmental evaluation when a project is actually proposed. Ms. Chamberlain noted that each project will require its own Environmental Impact Report. A reduction in the setback would require an amendment to the Specific Plan.

Mayor Wilson opened the public comment.

Roz Rogoff discussed the location of housing for the CCSP. She supports the CCSP and recommended that the housing not be assigned to only one section.

The City Clerk noted that Michael DiGeronimo sent an email requesting that the Council support the CCSP as passed by the Planning Commission.

Mayor Wilson closed the public comment.

Cm. Hudson stressed that the CCSP is a specific plan and not a development plan. It does not require placing housing in the middle of a service commercial area. The property owners will determine the development plan. He supports the CCSP.

Cm. Perkins thanked the Planning Commission, the Crow Canyon Advisory Committee and everyone for their input. The CCSP is a good plan and one which the City can work with. He believes that a perfect plan is not attainable.

Vice Mayor Rowley stated that San Ramon needs the businesses in the CCSP area. People have had an opportunity to comment on the Plan. She thanked City staff for their diligence. She supports the CCSP.

Mayor Wilson stated that the City has been working on the plan for 18 months and that everyone’s views have been heard. The actual development of the CCSP area will be determined by market conditions not by the Council. The CCSP keeps Beta Court intact. This is important because these businesses are vital to the San Ramon community.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Ordinance No. 383 was seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 4-0. Cm. Livingstone was absent.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2006-153 was seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 4-0. Cm. Livingstone was absent.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2006-154 was seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 4-0. Cm. Livingstone was absent.

Mayor Wilson requested a recess at 8:09 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:19 p.m. with all members of the Council in attendance except for Cm. Livingstone.

* * * *

Associate Planner Sara Buizer presented the report. She noted that the City Council held the third required public hearing on September 26, 2006.

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

Cm. Perkins remarked that the Council kept their promise to retain the golf courses as golf courses.

Mayor Wilson thanked the residents and City staff for working through the process.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Ordinance No. 384 was seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 4-0. Cm. Livingstone was absent.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2006-155 was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed 4-0. Cm. Livingstone was absent.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2006-156 was seconded by Vice Mayor Rowley and passed 4-0. Cm. Livingstone was absent.

* * * *

* * * *

City Manager Herb Moniz reported that the Dougherty Regional Fire Authority Management Committee met to consider retirement actions and CalPERS contributions. There were no significant changes necessitating a Board meeting.

There was a significant slide on the southwest side of Crow Canyon Road at Bollinger Canyon Road. The slide is in the HOA property. A geotechnical engineer has evaluated the slide and determined that it has been stabilized. The HOA and the developer are discussing slide repairs. The City is monitoring the slide situation.

* * * *

Cm. Hudson asked the Council to be aware of the procedures used to develop the Regional Housing numbers. He commended Marci McGuire for her work in promoting commuter programs and her marketing efforts with County Connection.

Vice Mayor Rowley reminded residents that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and that both men and women should schedule a check-up. She encouraged everyone to attend the annual Black and White Benefit on October 14, 2006.

Mayor Wilson commented that the City will make sure that the infrastructure is in place to support new housing and that San Ramon will question the methodology behind ABAG’s Regional Housing numbers. On October 12, 2006, a meeting will be held at the Dublin Civic Center to discuss the Crossridge Road/Bent Creek Trail Connection. He invited residents to attend the Black and White Benefit on October 14, 2006 to support the cultural arts in San Ramon. He encouraged citizens to participate in the San Ramon Presbyterian Church’s annual Building Bridges event on October 21, 2006. An Antique Appraisal Event will be held on October 21, 2006 to benefit the Senior Foundation. Arsenic & Old Lace is currently playing at the Dougherty Station Front Row Theatre.

He reminded residents that October 23, 2006 is the last day to register to vote and that October 27, 2006 is the last day for the County to receive your request for an absentee ballot. The deadline for the Street Smarts Video Contest is also on October 27, 2006. California High School’s Homecoming will take place on October 20, 2006. He invited residents to tour the new building and library at California High School.

At 8:35 p.m., Mayor Wilson convened the Council to Closed Session pursuant to Government Code 54956.9 (2) A to confer with the City Attorney concerning facts and circumstances that might result in litigation and which the City Attorney believes are not known to potential plaintiffs. At 9:20 p.m., Mayor Wilson reported that no action was taken by the Council at the Closed Session.

There being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 9:22 p.m.

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

Approved as presented at the October 24, 2006 meeting, 3-0; Livingstone abstain; Perkins absent.