MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

A joint meeting of the City Council and the Planning Commission of the City of San Ramon was held on February 22, 2007 at 7:16 p.m. in the San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Boulevard, Mayor Wilson presiding.

PRESENT:

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

Planning Commissioners: Phil O’Loane, Bob Patrino, Harry Sachs and Vice Chair Dennis Viers and Chair Donna Kerger.

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Herb Moniz, Planning/Community Services Director Phil Wong, Economic Development Director Marc Fontes and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

Mayor Wilson asked former San Ramon Mayor Patricia Boom and Mary Lou Oliver to lead the staff and the audience in the pledge of allegiance.

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The City Clerk reported that there were no announcements.

Mayor Wilson welcomed the participants and audience. He introduced the members of the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC).

Economic Development Director Marc Fontes reviewed the Economic Development Strategic Plan and its relationship to the City Center.

Alex Mehran, President and CEO of Sunset Development Company, provided an overview of the proposal for the City Center. The proposed City Center will encompass approximately 39 acres and include 10 blocks and include retail, restaurants, a hotel, an arts cinema, a civic plaza, residential space, office space, several new streets, a transit village, and a City Hall. Workforce and senior housing will be included.

Mr. Wong noted that an Environmental Impact Report Scoping Session is scheduled for March 15, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

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Mayor Wilson called a recess at 8:07 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:20 p.m. with all Councilmembers and Planning Commissioners in attendance.

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Mayor Wilson opened the public comment.

Eric Wallis, EDAC Chair, commented that the City Center proposal provides a central gathering place for residents while maintaining San Ramon’s unique identity. As a member of the General Plan 2020 Commission, he stated that the Commission wanted a gathering place and realized the ‘need for critical mass’ to generate interest so that people would congregate. He likened the civic plaza to plazas in Italy. He remarked that this is a spectacular plan for the City. It deserves serious consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council and the citizens for what it will bring to San Ramon.

Mary Hanson, EDAC Vice Chair, remarked that is a very exciting project. Unlike previous proposals, this one will pay for itself and incorporate all of the features that residents are looking for. The public/private partnership makes sense and allows both entities to accomplish what neither one could acting separately. It is essential to have a tax base and to keep tax dollars in San Ramon. Speaking as a resident, Ms. Hanson noted that she looks forward to relaxing and enjoying the planned amenities. She encouraged the City to go proceed with the project. She acknowledged that there are positive and negative aspects but concluded that the proposal makes the best use of the available land.

Hermann Welm, former San Ramon Mayor and Councilmember, stated that the previous proposed joint project with Sunset Development did not proceed because of political problems. He complimented Mr. Mehran for the outstanding research which he has invested in the proposal. Mr. Welm recognized Mr. Mehran’s leadership and the quality of his projects. Mr. Welm remarked that Dougherty Valley was planned as a residential community and that this proposal will bring Dougherty Valley residents into the City. He encouraged the City to pursue the proposal.

Walt Trembly, representing the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Chamber looks forward to working with the City on this project which will create new business and employment opportunities. He added that the proposal contributes to the Chamber’s goals and also implements the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.

Roz Rogoff, resident, expressed concern about the eight story buildings. She noted that the current building height limit is five stories. She asked if the taller buildings were necessary and requested additional information.

Jan Desmarais, resident, noted that the proposal is an outstanding vision created by Mr. Mehran. She remarked that the issues of funding and the cost of the proposal had not been addressed. She questioned why City Hall would occupy only three acres when the City owns 17 acres. She requested additional information on architectural details, landscaping, and the impact on the Iron Horse Trail and bike trails. She added that cost is a primary concern as well as the disposition of tax revenue from each of the four parcels. She appreciates the proposal’s vision, style and architectural details.

Jay Bhalla, resident, stated that San Ramon needs a ‘downtown’ and he is glad to see that other options were reviewed. He encouraged City Council meetings with public, very visible and active resident feedback. He questioned the financial parameters of the project and asked if it was an asset trade. He suggested that two or three areas be selected for the focus of the project so that the overall effort is not diluted.

Pauline Nolte, representing the San Ramon Library Foundation, reported that the Foundation is excited about the plans and looks forward to a new library. The Foundation has pledged $100,000 to the new library. She noted that the previous design included 20,000 square feet and suggested to the Council that the library be built to accommodate current needs and future expansion. As a resident, she is personally excited about the plan and likes the arts cinema. She thanked Mr. Mehran for his vision.

Paul Desmarais, resident, expressed concerns about the growth, planning and functionality of the proposal. He questioned how the City went from 19 acres to 3 acres. He is concerned about the traffic flow, the height of the buildings, and the road next to Iron Horse Trail. He asked how people would safely cross Bollinger Canyon Road from City Hall to other parts of the project. He noted that San Ramon is a rural, quiet community which the residents like. He requested that the transition from the Iron Horse Trail to this project blend smoothly. He stated the need to control growth.

Donna Kerger, Planning Commission Chair, stated "Wow!" and remarked that she was glad that the previous proposal did not happen. She noted that Mr. Mehran brings projects to a higher level and is excellent at detail as evidenced by the quality of Bishop Ranch. She added that the Shops at San Ramon will blend nicely into the community. She is excited about the project and added that it would be foolish not to go forward as the plan works in terms of its location.

Dennis Viers, Planning Commission Vice Chair, stated that he has a very favorable first impression. The proposal makes economic sense and works as a gathering place. He is impressed with the proposed mixed use and housing. He asked that the main thoroughfare be called "Main Street".

Harry Sachs, Planning Commission member, thanked the City Council for their perseverance. He viewed the proposal as a winner because of the long term economic impact and overall benefits. He noted that the City Council kept its promise and did not spend more City funds on proposal development. He thanked Mr. Moniz for his efforts to produce an enticing plan.

Bob Patrino, Planning Commission member, stated that it is rare to get a second chance to do things right. The current empty lot is a monument to mistakes and to failure. He observed that the traffic and building height issues are minor when compared to what this project will accomplish for the community. The lot will now be a monument to success. He thanked Mr. Mehran for his efforts and apologized for the City’s previous failures.

Cm. Hudson remarked that this is not another chance but may be the last chance for the City to build a City Center. He added that this is what the citizens designed, it complies with the General Plan, and is smart growth for the City. He added that the Council is committed to the library. San Ramon will have a first class city center and library. He noted that the Iron Horse Trail is in San Ramon due to the efforts of Mr. Mehran. He urged the Council to move forward as now is the time to do the project.

Cm. Livingstone noted that the City is fortunate to have Sunset Development in San Ramon. The project is exciting. He commented that everything Sunset Development does is quality and class. He noted that this project will pay for itself and that the citizens will not need to pay for it.

Cm. Rowley thanked Mr. Mehran and his staff for proposing a great project. She encouraged resident questions.

Vice Mayor Perkins thanked Mr. Mehran and Mr. Moniz for an interesting and economically viable project. He recognized Mr. Mehran’s financial risk and the loss of revenue with the elimination of 200,000 square feet of office space. He acknowledged the current problem of congestion at Bollinger Canyon during peak commute times and looked forward to developing mitigation measures.

Mr. Moniz responded that there are several options regarding traffic mitigation which include a Norris Canyon off ramp, retiming traffic lights, a new transit center, and widening Bollinger Canyon Road. He noted that the City is locked into a Level of Service and will make sure that the project meets the Level of Service in the General Plan and as required by governmental agencies.

Vice Mayor Perkins stated that the previous Civic Center Plan included $140 million for construction, a $30 million bond issue, and $4 million to run including the theatres, pool, library and City Hall. This proposal will bring all City staff into one building and provide a wide spectrum of housing. He recognized that traffic will be one of the key issues and anticipates that staff and Sunset Development will be able to propose viable solutions. He observed that the proposal does not require any new taxes or a bond measure and that it will generate revenue for the City.

Mayor Wilson stated that he is excited about the project and proud to have his name associated with the project. The financial aspects are paramount. The Council runs the City with compassion but also as a business. He added that frequently, we take for granted what we have in San Ramon---a business community and City working together. He thanked Mr. Mehran, Sunset Development, EDAC and the staff for getting the proposal to this stage.

Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion that the project concept as presented tonight is approved and that the City Manager is directed and authorized to take all actions necessary for the project to be reviewed and considered in accordance with the City’s development plan review process was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0 by a voice vote.

There being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m.

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

Approved at the March 27, 2007 City Council meeting, 5-0.