MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held May 8, 2007 at 7:03 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, Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio, Public Services Director Karen McNamara, Engineering Services Director Joye Fukuda, Community Services Division Manager John Skeel, Transportation Administrative Analyst Darlene Amaral, Associate Planner Cindy Yee, and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

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Planning Commission Chair Donna Kerger 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 were none.

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

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The proclamation was presented to Amy R. Blaschka, Tri-Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau President & CEO, by Mayor Wilson. Ms. Blaschka reported that the Bureau has generated $1.3 million in economic impact for the City in this fiscal year and $5 million for the Tri-Valley region. Ms. Blaschka thanked the Council for their support and recognition. Mayor Wilson stated that it is important to keep tourism dollars in San Ramon and the Valley. He noted that the Bureau has made great progress in promoting tourism in the Valley during the past five years.

Mayor Wilson presented the proclamation to Shirley Ernest, Senior Citizens’ Advisory Committee Chair. Mrs. Ernest thanked the Council for the proclamation and for their support of the Senior Center expansion. She invited residents to visit the Center and see the progress first hand.

(#4.3) Recognition of Senior Center Foundation for their Grant to the Senior Center Expansion.

Jackie Esse, Vice President of the Senior Center Foundation, presented a check for $60,000 to Mayor Wilson. The money is to be used for a new electronic marquee at the Senior Center. Ms. Esse described the Foundation’s activities and fund raising events and asked residents to lend their support. Mayor Wilson presented a certificate of appreciation to Ms. Esse thanking the Foundation for their donation. He noted that the Foundation is an excellent example of the San Ramon family working together.

Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio introduced Rebecca Beattie who will be working at the Olympic Pool and Nan Curtis who will be part of the Forest Home Farms team. Ms. Beattie remarked that she is excited to be working for the City. Ms. Curtis said that she is looking forward to developing her skills professionally as she helps develop the City of San Ramon culturally.

Public Services Director Karen McNamara introduced Tyler Hammond, Signal and Street Lighting Technician.. Mr. Hammond remarked that he is looking forward to lending his skills to the City in which he lives.

Police Chief Scott Holder introduced Alice Stoll. Ms. Stoll has 23 years of records experience. Ms. Stoll stated that she is happy to have the position and the opportunity to work in San Ramon. She is looking forward to the challenges and being part of the City’s new Police Department.

Mayor Wilson welcomed the new employees to the City and presented each of them with a City pin.

Engineering Services Director Joye Fukuda introduced Amy Amiri who is being recognized for implementing the new ExecuTime time and attendance software program in Engineering. Ms. Amiri is also responsible for putting together and monitoring the Capital Improvement Program budget. Mayor Wilson presented Ms. Amiri with a certificate and a gold star. He complimented Ms. Amiri for being always ready to help throughout the City and help the residents of San Ramon. Ms. Amiri remarked that she is fortunate to work with wonderful employees. She is glad to be part of the San Ramon family. Mayor Wilson recognized, Ms. Sohrabi, Ms. Amiri’s grandmother, who was present in the audience. Ms. Sohrabi said that she is proud of her granddaughter.

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Community Services Division Manager John Skeel provided the Library Advisory Committee (LAC) report. Lisa Hulse and Kenneth Bradshaw were interviewed on April 25, 2007 by a sub-committee of the Parks and Community Services Commission. The full Commission then reviewed the sub-committee recommendations and forwarded their nominations to the City Council for approval. Mr. Skeel requested that the City Clerk continue to advertise until the remaining LAC vacancy is filled.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to appoint Ms. Hulse to the LAC for the term to expire in January 2009 and to appoint Mr. Bradshaw to the LAC for the term to expire in January 2008 was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0.

City Clerk Patricia Edwards gave the report. John Stark was appointed as San Ramon’s representative to the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging (CCCACA) in August 2004. He resigned in August 2005. The City has continued to advertise this vacancy in newspaper ads and on the City’s web page since Mr. Stark’s resignation. An application was received from Richard San Vicente. Staff recommends that the Council consider Mr. San Vicente’s application. If approved, staff will forward his application to the County Advisory Council on Aging for consideration by the County Board of Supervisors (BOS) at their May 22, 2007 meeting. The BOS will notify the City of Mr. San Vicente’s appointment.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to appoint Mr. San Vicente to the CCCACA for a term to run through September 2009 was seconded by Vice Mayor Perkins and passed 5-0.

City Clerk Patricia Edwards reported that Dick Vesperman’s appointment to the Board expired in January 2006. Mr. Vesperman has served in this capacity for 15 years. The City noticed this vacancy in newspaper ads and on the City’s web page since Mr. Vesperman’s term ended. No applications have been received for this position. In a letter dated March 26, 2007, Mr. Vesperman offered to continue to serve until a replacement is appointed. Staff recommends that the Council consider Mr. Vesperman’s offer and direct staff to continue to advertise for a replacement for this position.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to appoint Mr. Vesperman to the Board for a term to run through January 2008 was seconded by Vice Mayor Perkins and passed 5-0. Mayor Wilson thanked Mr. Versperman for his extended service for the City on this Board.

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The City Clerk noted that there were no requests for public comment.

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Mayor Wilson commented on item 8.9. He stressed the importance of public television to the residents in the San Ramon Valley. The current transition plan agreed to by the four participating cities requires the Mayor of each city to take the place of the appointed representative. Mayor Wilson will provide updates as they are available.

(#8.2) Resolution No. 2007-79 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Existing Agreement with Central Maintenance Company to Renew the Agreement for One Year for Janitorial Maintenance Services and Increase the Scope of Work to Include the Shared Facilities at the New Dougherty Valley High School in a Total Annual Amount Not to Exceed $206,867.

(#8.3) Resolution No. 2007-80 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Supplemental Freeway Maintenance Agreement with the State of California for Maintenance of New Landscaping on I-680 Installed as Part of the New I-680 Auxiliary Lane Project Through San Ramon.

(#8.4) Resolution No. 2007-81 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 3 to an Existing Agreement with Pacheco Brothers Gardening, Inc. to Renew the Agreement for One Year and to Increase the Scope of Work for Providing Landscape Maintenance Services in the Landscape and Lighting District in an Annual Amount not to Exceed $760,895.

(#8.5) Resolution No. 2007-82 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Contract Sweeping Services to Provide Street Sweeping Services for One Year with Four One Year Extension Options Under Such Terms, Conditions and Annual Amounts as Approved by the City Manager and for a Current Amount not to Exceed $49,500.

(#8.6) Resolution No. 2007-83 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 4 to an Existing Agreement with FloraTech Landscape Management, Inc. to Renew the Agreement for One Year and to Increase the Scope of Work for Providing Landscape Maintenance Services in the Dougherty Valley and in City Parks in an Annual Amount not to Exceed $1,458,468.

(#8.7) Resolution No. 2007-84 – Accepting Certain Landscape Parcels and Certain Landscape Improvements in RA 1105 (Bollinger Canyon Road) for Maintenance (Shapell Industries – Monarch at Gale Ranch).

(#8.8) Resolution No. 2007-85 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute the Agreement with Central Contra Costa Sanitary District for the San Ramon Force Main Landscape Mitigation Project, District Project No. 5924.

(#8.9) Resolution No. 2007-86 – Authorizing the Appropriation of $65,000 from the General Fund Reserve to be Allocated to the Tri-Valley Television Corporation (TV30) for Emergency Funding Through Fiscal Year 2006-2007.

(#8.10) Minute Order 2007-08 – Authorizing the Purchase of Four Police Motorcycles in the Amount of $76,100.

Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion to adopt consent calendar items 8.1 through 8.10 was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 5-0.

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Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion to approve the April 24, 2007 minutes was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0.

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(#10.1) Transportation Demand Management Advisory Committee Annual Report

Darlene Amaral, Transportation Administrative Analyst, introduced Marci McGuire, a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Advisory Committee member. Ms. McGuire presented the Annual Report which included a review of the Committee members, Committee charge, and TRM strategies designed to reduce or change travel demand rather than increase the transportation supply. She explained that the "Guaranteed Ride Home" is vital to selling the other components of the Countywide Incentive Programs. The TDM Program sponsored a very successful Bike to Work 2006 Campaign. Ms. McGuire noted that more than 30% of the people who work in San Ramon live within a 15 mile bike-able commute distance. The TDM also participates in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Spare the Air Campaigns. She review the commute programs offered by Sunset Development and Bishop Ranch which help to decrease the traffic in San Ramon. A 2006 Employer Transportation Survey was conducted and the information will be used to plan future transit programs.

Cm. Hudson asked what the City can do to get a BART ticket station in San Ramon.

Cm. Rowley remarked that the incentives for employees are amazing.

Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion to accept the Report was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0.

City Attorney Byron D. Athan presented the report. Mr. Athan explained that "design-build" is the system under which the prime contractor is hired to accomplish the architectural, engineering and construction work. One advantage is that the architect and the engineer work together from the beginning of the design stage. The contractor is able to make available his knowledge of the means, methods and techniques of construction so that the cost of the project may be reduced. Another advantage is that, if there are delays or construction defects, the City avoids the problem of trying to determine whether the fault is due to the architect, the engineer or the contractor.

Vice Mayor Perkins remarked that he served as the facilities manager at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. He used the design-build procedure and found that it was a very efficient procedure which shortened the time line and decreased the costs. The architect works with the builder to incorporate the best techniques. He supports this concept.

Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing. There were no requests to address this item.

Mayor Wilson closed the public hearing.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to introduce the Ordinance, waive the reading, hold the public hearing, and continue the item to the May 22, 2007 meeting was seconded by Cm. Livingstone. Mayor Wilson requested a voice vote. The vote was 5-0.

Cindy Yee, Associate Planner, provided the report. The State’s Government Code and the San Ramon General Plan 2020 require that the City prepare an annual report addressing the status of the General Plan and its implementation progress. Upon approval by the City Council, the City must forward the report to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research identifying major upcoming projects, outlining General Plan issues anticipated for the coming year, and reporting any General Plan Amendments processed during the previous year. The report must also be forwarded to the Department of Housing and Community Development demonstrating the City’s progress in meeting its fair share of regional housing needs, including workforce housing.

Last year, three General Plan Amendments were approved by the City. Year to date, the City has not approved any General Plan Amendments and is not currently processing any amendments. The City anticipates processing at least one other amendment in the upcoming year for the Dougherty Valley to ensure consistency between the Zoning Map and the General Plan 2020 map.

In the past year, particular accomplishments include: the completion and implementation of the comprehensive update of the Zoning Ordinance, adoption of the Crow Canyon Specific Plan and the Northwest Specific Plan, implementation of Dougherty Valley transit service, implementation of the Crow Canyon Road widening project, and on-going implementation of the Dougherty Valley Settlement Agreement. High priority goals for the upcoming fiscal year include: implementation of the updated Zoning Ordinance, Crow Canyon Specific Plan, and Northwest Specific Plan, processing of the San Ramon City Center project, establishing a Residential Condominium Conversion Ordinance, the update of the Grading Ordinance, the update of the Parks and Community Services Master Plan, completion of the Measure J Project Study Report of Norris Canyon on/off ramps project, completion of the Affordable/Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, and the update of the Housing Element.

Cm. Hudson noted that there is a discrepancy between the City’s Urban Limit Line (ULL) and the County’s ULL because Camp Parks is excluded from the County’s ULL. He suggested that staff consider an amendment to the General Plan to eliminate City policy references regarding working with the East Bay Regional Park District.

Mayor Wilson requested that staff evaluate an update to the City’s ordinance to identify primary and alternate routes for the transport of hazardous materials in San Ramon.

Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion to accept the Implementation Work Plan and Schedule Report and direct staff to forward it to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the Department of Housing and Community Development was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 5-0.

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City Manager Herb Moniz stated that he wants to recognize the City Council and the Department Heads for the effort that has been expended on employee relations in the past 2 ½ years. He is proud to be associated with such a quality team.

Cm. Rowley stated that the Council is proud of the City staff.

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Vice Mayor Perkins thanked the Parks, Public Services, and Police Services Departments for their excellent work in coordinating the Farmers’ Market at Forest Home Farms. The attendance exceeded expectations. He invited residents to shop at the Farmers’ Market and enjoy the other special events scheduled at Forest Home Farms.

Mayor Wilson encouraged residents to ride their bikes to the Market.

Cm. Rowley stated that there was an amazing variety of produce and flowers. She said that everyone enjoyed themselves and that it was exciting to see everyone. She encouraged residents who live near the Market to walk to decrease vehicle traffic. The San Ramon Historic Foundation will have shopping bags available for purchase.

Cm. Hudson suggested that Police Services staff be available to direct traffic at the Farmers’ Market. He noted the importance of the "Focus Our Vision" report which will control the expenditure of transportation funds. He reported on the Southwest Area Transportation Committee (SWAT) meeting. He recommended that the Bollinger Canyon Over-Crossing be added to the City’s action plan. He would like to explore the possibility of including the Iron Horse Trail in the northern and southern borders of the City Center project. He suggested that the East Bay Regional Park District might use a portion of their $5 million Measure J funds for the Bollinger Canyon Over-Crossing.

Mayor Wilson noted that these are important projects for San Ramon’s growth. He requested a Council Study Session on Transportation issues.

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Mayor Wilson informed residents that the newest Sentinels of Freedom scholarship recipient, Manny del Rio, will be visiting the City and will be offered a position with Police Services.

There being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 8:19 p.m.

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

Approved  at the May 22, 2007 City Council meeting, 5-0.