MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held February 27, 2007 at 7:06 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2222 Camino Ramon, Mayor Wilson presiding.

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

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Herb Moniz, City Attorney Byron Athan, Police Chief Scott Holder, Associate Planner Cindy Yee, Public Services Director Karen McNamara, Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla, Community Services Division Manager John Skeel, Transportation Analyst Darlene Amaral, Finance Director Greg Rogers, Public Services Division Manager Jeff Gault, Engineering Director Joye Fukuda, and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

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Ethan Howard, Boy Scout Troop 547, led the staff and 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 noted that there was one change and one addition. There was a request to table item 5.2 Open Space and Conservation Advisory Committee Appointments.

Cm. Hudson’s motion that the item be tabled and referred to the Policy Committee and that the Open Space Committee be reorganized as a task force was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 5-0.

The City Clerk requested the addition of Minute Order 2007-03 Authorizing the Mayor to attend the National Kick-Off for the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Program in Atlanta, Georgia. City Attorney Byron Athan clarified the procedure for changing or adding an item to the Council agenda. Cm. Hudson explained Mayor Wilson’s role in the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship program.

Cm. Hudson’s motion that the item came up after the agenda was published was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed
5-0. Cm. Hudson’s motion that it is an emergency item and that action has to be taken at this meeting was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 5-0. Cm. Rowley made a motion that Mayor Wilson attend the meeting was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0.

Mayor Wilson asked if there were any changes or additions to the Boards, Committee and Commission meetings schedule. The City Clerk noted that the Southwest Area Transportation Committee meeting scheduled for March 5, 2007 has been cancelled. Cm. Rowley clarified that the correct time for the March 5, 2007 Senior Advisory Committee meeting was
4:00 p.m. not 10:00 a.m.

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Associate Planner Cindy Yee introduced Sanjiv Bhandari. Mayor Wilson presented Ms. Bhandari with a proclamation thanking him for his contributions to the City through his service on the Architectural Review Board. Mr. Bhandari responded that he enjoyed working with San Ramon and the exceptional City staff for the past seven years. He added that the City has invested in many wonderful projects.

Public Services Director Karen McNamara introduced her staff and reviewed their careers and current duties. Mary Richardson commented that the Public Services staff is outstanding and thanked the Council for the opportunity to work for San Ramon. Michael Dodds is assigned to the Parks Division and stated that he looks forward to a long and productive career with the City. Nathan Keesler also looks forward to a long career with San Ramon. Anthony Gauci was unable to attend. Mayor Wilson welcomed the new employees and presented each of them with a City pin.

Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla introduced Mark Curtis and thanked him for his support of the Street Smarts program. Mayor Wilson noted that the San Ramon Valley is special because of its residents and their contributions to the community. He presented a proclamation to Mr. Curtis in recognition of his support of the Street Smarts program. Mr. Curtis thanked the Council for the recognition. He stated that he was glad to lend his media expertise to this program which is a terrific campaign for street safety. He enjoyed working with the City and the School District staff.

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Community Services Division Manager John Skeel provided the report. He stated that the Parks and Community Services Commission recommends the appointment of Meredith Decker, for a term expiring in January 2009, and Eileen Dowell, for a term expiring in January 2008, to the Library Advisory Committee (LAC).

Cm. Hudson’s motion to appoint Meredith Decker, for a term expiring in January 2009, and Eileen Dowell, for a term expiring in January 2008, to the LAC and to continue to advertise for the remaining vacancies was seconded by
Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0.

Item tabled and referred to the Policy Committee.

Transportation Analyst Darlene Amaral presented the report. Staff recommends the appointment of Susan Gitlin and Kevin Horan to the Transportation Demand Management Advisory Committee (TDM) for terms to run through January 2009.

Cm. Rowley’s motion to appoint Susan Gitlin and Kevin Horan to the Transportation Demand Management Advisory Committee for terms expiring in January 2009 and to advertise for the vacant position was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0.

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

Marielle Boortz, representing Chevron in San Ramon, introduced Juan Garcia. Mr. Garcia replaces Matt Lonner in the capacity of Chevron’s Manager for Policy, Government and Public Affairs for this area. Mr. Garcia remarked that he is responsible for a large territory and is looking forward to working with the Council.

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Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion to approve the February 13, 2007 minutes was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0.

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(#8.3) Resolution 2007-22 – Accepting Certain Roadway and Stormdrain Dedications

and Improvements in Subdivision 8686 for Maintenance (Shapell Industries – Rose Garden/Villa Paseo at Gale Ranch).

(#8.4) Resolution No. 2007-23 – Approving the Old Ranch Summit Annexation Engineer’s Report for Geologic Hazard Abatement District No. 1990-01 (GHAD); Accepting the Petition by Davidon Homes to Annex the Old Ranch Summit into the GHAD; Declaring the GHAD’s Intention to Conduct Property Owner Assessment Ballot Proceedings; and Setting a Public Hearing for April 24, 2007.

(#8.6A) Resolution No. 2007-24 – Approving Application for Grant Funds for the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) under the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002 for Forest Home Farms.

(#8.6B) Resolution No. 2007-25 – Approving Application for Grant Funds for the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) under the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002 for the Boone House.

(#8.7) Resolution No. 2007-26 – Implementing Revised Market Adjustments for Part Time Temporary Employee Classifications within the Parks and Community Services and Public Services Departments, Effective April 1, 2007.

(#8.8) Resolution No. 2007-27 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Michael Brandman Associates for Professional Services for the City Center Project Environmental Impact Report in an Amount not to Exceed $320,640 including all Reimbursables.

(#8.9) Resolution No. 2007-28 – Authorizing the Mayor to Sign Cooperative Agreement Number 45.05.07 Between the City of San Ramon and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority for Preparation of the San Ramon Valley Iron Horse Trail Bicycle Pedestrian Corridor Analysis with Transportation Planning Land Use Grant Funds.

(#8.10) Minute Order 2007-02 – Approving an Amount not to Exceed $80,630 from the Capital Improvement Program for the Purchase and Installation of Two Heaters for the 50 Meter Pool at the San Ramon Olympic Pool and Aquatic Park.

(#8.11) Ordinance No. 390 – Accepting the Requirements of the California Penal Code Relating to the Recruitment and Training of Law Enforcement Officers.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to approve consent calendar items 8.1 through 8.11 was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and
passed 5-0.

Cm. Livingstone welcomed Ken Hansen, who brings a wealth of skill and information, back to the Architectural Review Board.

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The staff report was presented by Greg Rogers, Finance Director. He reviewed the key issues regarding the General Fund contingency reserves, expenditures, revenue estimates, proposed mid-year adjustments, economic outlook, and the impact of California’s financial condition. The budget assumes a 3% growth factor.

Mayor Wilson questioned the well repairs. Public Services Division Manager Jeff Gault reported that, during the well repairs, staff discovered that the pump and motor needed repairs. Mayor Wilson asked how much money was saved by using well water. Mr. Gault responded that the City realized a savings of approximately $65,000. City Manager Herb Moniz stated that, during the initial analysis, the City determined that the well would pay for itself in two years. The well is ten years old.

Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla explained that the School District will also contribute $25,000 for the California High School Parking Study. The study will evaluate a long term strategy for the parking problem at Cal High School, the tennis courts and the Aquatic Center.

Mayor Wilson thanked staff for preparing a comprehensive report.

Cm. Hudson asked if there were comments from the Finance Committee. He also questioned the new Human Resources Administrative Analyst position. City Manager Moniz responded that adding the Police Department to the City necessitated the additionof Information Technology and Human Resources positions before the next fiscal year.

Cm. Hudson observed that there is a downward trend in the sale of single family homes and an increase in the sale of condominiums. He asked if data were available on the supplemental tax bills.

Vice Mayor Perkins noted that there was a $4.4 million increase in the General Fund as of June 30, 2006. The General Fund Reserve Balance is at approximately 85% of the General Fund which exceeds the City Policy for a 50% Reserve Balance. He asked if staff had developed recommendations for pavement management programs using the General Fund reserves. Engineering Director Joye Fukuda stated that staff has identified two areas of work. Staff is requesting $300,000 for improvements on streets with low pavement condition indexes (PCI) and $400,000 for preventative maintenance improvements. The work will be done through contracted services. Vice Mayor Perkins asked which areas of the City were identified as potential projects. Ms. Fukuda responded that the work would be done in Arapahoe Circle and Mohawk Circle near Morgan Drive.

Cm. Hudson asked if the plan is to accelerate projects from 2007-08 to 2006-07. Ms. Fukuda stated that the additional funds would allow for repairs of residential streets with low PCI and address needed preventative maintenance. Cm. Hudson clarified that this work would be done to improve streets with a PCI that is below the City’s standard. Vice Mayor Perkins added the Finance Committee has established minimum standards for residential streets, collectors and arterials. Cm. Hudson noted that the City had some catch up work to do. Mr. Moniz responded that it was work which the City should do. Vice Mayor Perkins added that funding for pavement management was inadequate in previous years and some of the street ratings had deteriorated. He noted that is very expensive and takes a monumental effort to maintain the quality of City streets.

Cm. Livingstone congratulated the Finance Department for their work. He urged the Finance Director to continue to utilize conservative estimates in the City budget process.

Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion to adopt Resolution No. 2007-29 authorizing the mid-year 2006-2007 budget adjustments with the addition of two pavement projects totaling $700,000 was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 5-0. Mayor Wilson informed Mr. Rogers that he would provide information on the potential budget impact for emergency communication inoperability costs in the near future.

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City Manager Herb Moniz reported that, as a result of the joint City Council, Economic Development Advisory Committee and Planning Commission Workshop and at the direction of the Council, the application for the City Center project has been filed by Sunset Development and that the initial review process has begun. He informed the Council that a special City newsletter will be distributed in mid-March which will highlight the City Center. The Environmental Impact Report Scoping Session will be held on March 15, 2007. The City will organize an outreach program to provide project information to residents. Information is also available on the City’s web site.

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Mayor Wilson complimented staff for the outstanding presentation at the City Center. He invited residents to participate in the - Run Like the Wind Half-Marathon/5K event presented by Windemere is scheduled for March 25, 2007.

At 8:45 p.m., the Council met in closed session pursuant to Government Code §54957 to evaluate the position of City Manager. and pursuant to Government Code §54957 to evaluate the position of City Attorney.

At 9:32 p.m., Mayor Wilson reported that no action was taken by the Council on the two closed session items.

There being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 9:33 p.m.

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

Approved at the March 13, 2007 City Council meeting, 5-0.