MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held June 12, 2007 at 7:02 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, Planning Services Division Manager Debbie Chamberlain, Public Services Director Karen McNamara, Engineering Services Director Joye Fukuda, Eco-nomic Development Director Marc Fontes, District Analyst Steven Spedowfski, Public Services Maintenance Specialist Becky Davies, and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

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Karen Stepper, Town of Danville Councilmember and President of the Exchange Club, 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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Karen Stepper, President of the Exchange Club, announced that the topic for this year’s essay was to demonstrate how the principles of America’s founding fathers provide a blueprint to solve current problems. She recognized the judges: Linda Schardt, Tom Hawkins, Lee Halverson, Mayor Wilson and herself. She also recognized the corporate sponsors, AT&T and PG&E. Other sponsors include Pacific Rim Recycling and Sharon Dare with J. Roclife Realtors. Ms. Stepper recognized three members of the California High School History Club: President Vicky Hsieh, Secretary Cameron Lee, and Treasurer Brad Perfect. The second place college scholarship was awarded to Vladimir Karentnikov who received $500. Cameron Lee was the first place winner and received a $1,000 scholarship. Rozanne Lindsay, Field Representative for Assemblyman Houston, presented the winners with a certificate recognizing their dedication to studying American history and their ability to apply the principles of America’s founding fathers to the problems of society. Mayor Wilson thanked everyone who is involved in the program and encouraged students to get involved.

Planning Services Division Manager Debbie Chamberlain introduced Lauren Barr, a landscape architect, who has joined the Planning Services staff as a Senior Planner. Mr. Barr thanked the Council for this opportunity and the City staff for their warm welcome. He added that he looks forward to serving the residents of San Ramon.

Public Services Director Karen McNamara introduced David Kreuger, the City’s new "Garbage Guru". He is responsible for managing the waste franchise and implementing recycling programs for the City. She noted that he often rides his bike to work. Mr. Kreuger reported that San Ramon has very good bike lanes and that he looks forward to helping the City meet its recycling goals.

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

Engineering Services Director Joye Fukuda introduced Robin Bartlett who is being recognized as the City’s Employee of the Month for the second time. Mr. Bartlett was responsible for securing a $25,400 rebate for the water service connection fee associated with South San Ramon Creek from EBMUD.

Mayor Wilson presented Mr. Bartlett with a certificate and a gold star and thanked him for recovering the $25,000. Mr. Bartlett thanked the Council for this recognition.

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Economic Development Director Marc Fontes gave the report. The City Clerk provided ballot procedure information. After two ballots, Mayor Wilson announced that Jason Gong was selected to fill the member-at-large Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) vacancy.

Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion to appoint Jason Gong for a term to run through January 2009 on the EDAC was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0. Mayor Wilson thanked the residents who had applied for the Committee.

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

Raquel Montalvan, a sophomore at California High School, described the People to People Sports Ambassador Program. She asked for sponsorships to help her reach her goal so that she can be a Student Ambassador to Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. She will return to the Council to present a slide show describing her experiences. Cm. Livingstone noted that this is a very worthwhile program and commended Ms. Montalvan. Cm. Rowley requested that this information be provided to the Council. Interested citizens may email girls151@comcast.net for more information.

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Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion to approve the May 22, 2007 minutes was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 5-0.

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Vice Mayor Perkins requested that item 8.3 be removed for further discussion.

(#8.1) Minute Order 2007-10 – Authorizing the Mayor to Approve Annual Purchases with Bay Counties Pitcock Petroleum, Inc. to Supply Unleaded Gasoline and Diesel Fuel to the Public Services Department in an Amount not to Exceed $101,000 and Authorizing Staff to Issue Purchase Orders for all Subsequent Renewals, Increases in Scope and/or Funds in a Total Length not to Exceed Five Years.

(#8.2) Accept the Work by RMT Landscape Contractors, Inc. on the Historic David Glass House Landscaping Project (CIP 5420) as Complete and Authorize the City Clerk to File a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder's Office.

(#8.4A) Resolution No. 2007-98 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with T.Y. Lin International for Surveying and Miscellaneous Civil Engineering Consulting Services for a Period Between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009 in an Amount not to Exceed $350,000.

(#8.4B) Resolution No. 2007-99 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with RBF Consulting for Surveying and Miscellaneous Civil Engineering Consulting Services for a Period Between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009 in an Amount not to Exceed $350,000.

(#8.5A) Resolution No. 2007-100 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with ENGEO Inc. for Geotechnical Engineering Consulting Services for a Period Between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009 in an Amount not to Exceed $300,000.

(#8.5B) Resolution No. 2007-101 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Kleinfelder for Geotechnical Engineering Consulting Services for a Period Between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009 in an Amount not to Exceed $300,000.

(#8.6) Resolution No. 2007-102 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Consolidated Engineering Laboratories for Materials Testing and Construction Inspection Services for a Period Between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009 in an Amount not to Exceed $250,000.

(#8.7) Resolution No. 2007-103 – Accepting Certain Landscape and Site Improvements Within a Portion of Lot 20 of Subdivision 7976 at the Dougherty Station Community Center and Library for Maintenance (Windemere BLC Land Company, LLC) .

(#8.8) Resolution No. 2007-104 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement with Azari Engineering, Inc. for Construction Administration and Inspection Services 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 $96,505.

(#8.9) Resolution No. 2007-105 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Spencon Construction, Inc. for the Construction of FY 2007/2008 Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk Repair Project (CIP 5407) and for Miscellaneous Concrete Repair Work for the Period Between July 2007 and December 2008 in an Amount not to Exceed $149,500.

(#8.10) Resolution No. 2007-106 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 3 to the Agreement with Bashir Anastas for Project Management Services for an Amount not to Exceed $50,000 and for a Time Extension from July 1, 2007 to December 1, 2007.

(#8.11) Resolution No. 2007-107 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Contract Amendment with Francisco & Associates, Inc. for Planning and Financial Services Relating to Dougherty Valley in an Amount not to Exceed $25,000.

(#8.12) Resolution No. 2007-108 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Existing Agreement with Quality Air Solutions to Renew the Agreement for One Year for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Maintenance and Repair Services for all City Maintained Buildings and Increase the Scope of Work to Include the New Dougherty Valley High School Aquatic Center and the Glass House in a Total Annual Amount Not to Exceed $61,800 for FY 2007/08.

(#8.13) Resolution No. 2007-109 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Calsense for the Centralized Irrigation Controller Upgrade Project (CIP 5404) as well as Dougherty Valley Irrigation Controller Upgrades in an Annual Amount not to Exceed $80,000 and Authorizing Staff to Invoke Amendments for all Subsequent Renewals, Increases in Scope and/or Funds in a Total Contract Length not to Exceed Five Years.

(#8.14) Resolution No. 2007-110 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Republic ITS for Streetlight Relamping and Maintenance Services in an Annual Amount not to Exceed $53,452 for FY 2007/08 and Authorizing Staff to Invoke Amendments for all Subsequent Renewals, Increases in Scope and/or Funds in a Total Contract Length not to Exceed Three Years.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt consent calendar items 8.1, 8.2 and 8.4 through 8.14 was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 5-0.

(#8.3) Resolution No. 2007-97 – Rejecting the Bid of Redgwick Construction Company for the Construction of the Bollinger Canyon Road at Alcosta Boulevard Interim Widening Project (CIP 5320).

Engineering Services Director Joye Fukuda provided the report. She noted that Redgwick Construction Company was the sole bidder. Their bid exceeded the engineer’s estimate by 47%. Staff is evaluating alternatives to widen the roadway to accommodate another lane of traffic in each direction. Considerations include the fact that this roadway is uphill, exists in a tight corridor, and will require relocation of utilities. It may not be possible to accomplish the widening in the existing curb to curb right of way. Staff will continue to work to provide an alignment recommendation.

Vice Mayor Perkins questioned if the Dougherty Valley Settlement Agreement requires widening of Bollinger Canyon Road. If an additional right of way is needed, when will staff’s recommendation be presented to the Council. Ms. Fukuda responded that staff will try to have a solution in several months. They are trying to balance all of the relative elements. One interim solution may be to restripe the road to provide three traffic lanes in each direction by changing the parking lane to accommodate a third lane of traffic.

Vice Mayor Perkins asked what would happen to bicycle traffic in the event of the interim road striping . Ms. Fukuda replied that bicyclists would merge with vehicle traffic. Vice Mayor Perkins remarked that this is an unsafe and impractical alternative for bicyclists as the speed limit is 40 mph. Cm. Rowley suggested that the bicyclists walk their bikes on the walkway as a safe alternative. City Manager Herb Moniz added that there are sections where the bikes may share the uphill sidewalk with pedestrians.

Cm. Livingstone requested that a priority be put on this study to provide answers.

Cm. Hudson clarified the action needed to be taken by the Council. His motion to adopt Resolution No. 2007-97 was seconded by Vice Mayor Perkins and passed 5-0.

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District Analyst Steven Spedowfski provided the report and summarized the background for Resolution No. 2007-96. He noted that no public comments or correspondence were received by the City in response to this issue. The proposed 2007/08 unit rate is $80.58. This increase does not exceed 2% and is within the "Per Unit Limit" for each special zone previously established in compliance with the "Right to Vote on Taxes Act" (Proposition 218). Additionally, a new zone was added. Zone 18 Old Ranch Summit includes 4.1 acres of internal hillside landscaping, 2.9 acres of detention basins, and a 70% share of the arterial landscaping located on Old Ranch Road between Bridal Court and Old Ranch Court.

There were no questions from the Council.

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 adopt Resolution No. 2007-96 confirming the District Diagram and Assessments and Levying the Assessments for FY 2007/08 was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0.

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Planning Services Division Manager Debbie Chamberlain outlined the actions needed to proceed with the prezoning and the initiation of annexation proceedings for LAFCO. She noted that in order to receive property tax revenue in FY 2008-09, the annexation must be submitted to LAFCo prior to August 1, 2007 and approved by the State Board of Equalization by December 1, 2007. It is estimated that this annexation will provide $80,000 in property tax revenue in FY 2008-09.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to introduce the Ordinance was seconded by Vice Mayor Perkins and passed 5-0.

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

Mayor Wilson closed the public hearing.

Cm Hudson’s finding that the Council has considered the Dougherty Valley Specific Plan (1996) and the 2004 Addendum to the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the purpose of complying with CEQA was seconded by Vice Mayor Perkins and passed 5-0.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to set the Ordinance for adoption at the June 26, 2007 Council Meeting was seconded by Vice Mayor Perkins and passed 5-0.

Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing regarding initiation of proceedings to LAFCO. There were no requests to address this item. Mayor Wilson closed the public hearing.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2007-111 authorizing the Mayor to sign and submit the necessary applications and pay fees to the Local Agency Formation Commission was seconded by Vice Mayor Perkins and passed 5-0.

Marc Fontes, Economic Development Director, reported that this Ordinance was being introduced in order to bring the City into compliance with a new requirement of California Community Redevelopment Law. The State Legislation does not create any new restrictions, limitations on the use of eminent domain. The elements and wording of the Ordinance are taken directly from the Agency adopted Redevelopment Plan.

Cm. Hudson stated that the City can not take a single family residence outside of the City’s Redevelopment area for eminent domain. Cm. Livingstone remarked that this Ordinance was just a formality to comply with the new State law.

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

Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing.

Roz Rogoff said that ‘acquisition authority’ was a euphemism for eminent domain. She asked what would happen if the City did not adopt the Ordinance by the July 1, 2007 deadline. She wanted to confirm that the City could not deviate from its current Redevelopment Plan and that future changes to that Plan would require an amendment.

City Attorney By Athan responded that the legislation currently provides no sanctions.

Cm. Hudson stated that the key issue is that "for each redevelopment plan adopted prior to January 1, 2007, the legislative body must adopt an ordinance by July 1, 2007, describing the agency’s eminent domain program under that redevelopment plan." We are complying with the new California law.

Mayor Wilson noted that the Ordinance will be voted on at the next Council Meeting.

Public Services Director Karen McNamara reviewed the process involved in developing the Strategic Plan which took 12 months and involved all levels of Public Services staff. Four focus groups created the Department’s Vision Statement which is designed to enhance the Department’s operations, embrace change, deliver quality services and assure customer satisfaction. Vice Mayor Perkins asked if safety was a consideration. Ms. McNamara said that it is an essential element for the entire Plan.

Public Services Maintenance Specialist Becky Davies told the Council that she appreciated being involved in the Strategic Plan. She reviewed the activities of the Focus Group in which she participated. Mayor Wilson thanked her for her contributions.

Ms. McNamara stated that the Focus Groups created Focus Areas which include: positioning the Department for success; creating a meaningful work environment; focusing on organizational effectiveness and efficiencies and employment development.

Vice Mayor Perkins applauded Ms. McNamara’s initiative to create the Plan. He was impressed with the degree of staff participation.

Mayor Wilson thanked Ms. McNamara for her efforts and the Department staff for their valuable work in the City. He added that the Plan empowers the Department staff.

Cm. Livingstone added that he is very impressed with the Plan and the presentation. He stressed that the measurement tool is the key to assessing the Plan’s success.

Cm. Rowley noted that the plan was very ambitious and created a positive synergy for the Department by involving the staff. She requested annual updates.

Ms. McNamara responded that updates will be reported in the budget process.

City Clerk Patricia Edwards gave the report. The Council discussed changing the maximum number of works from the current 300 words to either 200 or 400 words.

Cm. Hudson commented that the current requirements for the Candidate Statement are Acceptable. He asked for clarification regarding the statement that the successful candidate in a tie vote would be determined by lot.

City Attorney By Athan noted that the Code states that a runoff will be done by lot.

Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion to adopt Resolution No. 2007-112 was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0.

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City Manager Herb Moniz reported that he attended the National Innovations Group Conference. The Group focuses on innovative ideas in public service. Attendance represented all levels of government from many states. After attending a variety of sessions, he observed that most of the ideas have already been implemented in San Ramon in the past ten years. He stated that, overall, measured against mid-sized cities throughout the country, San Ramon fares very well.

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Cm. Rowley encouraged residents to sign up for the June 30 – July 1, 2007 American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Days in San Ramon. Residents can register on line at: www.acsevents.org.

Cm. Hudson reported that he will make a transportation presentation at the next Council meeting. He reminded residents that June 15, 2007 is California High School’s graduation night. He asked David Krueger to research programs for San Ramon for safe disposal of e-waste, batteries, prescription drugs and fluorescent tubes.

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Mayor Wilson reminded residents to attend the Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning. He encouraged residents to apply for the Parks Commission or the Library Advisory Committee. He described the Mayoral Produce Sticker Challenge being sponsored by the Dublin San Ramon Services District. He asked residents to peel the stickers from fruits and vegetables and put them on the contest card. If disposed of in the garbage disposal, these plastic stickers clog the wastewater treatment process. Contest cards are available at the San Ramon Library, City Hall and Whole Foods Market. The contest ends September 2007. The winning mayor will supervise the other two mayors as they clean the screen that stops plastic from entering the Water Recycling Plant. Mayor Wilson also asked residents to be cognizant of their water use and conserve water whenever possible.

There being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

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

Approved at the June 26, 2007 City Council meeting, 4-0; Rowley absent.