MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held July 24, 2007 at 7:04 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2222 Camino Ramon, Vice Mayor Perkins presiding.

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

ABSENT: Mayor Wilson.

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Herb Moniz, City Attorney Byron Athan, Acting Police Chief Joe Gorton, Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio, Division Manager/District Engineer Maria Robinson, Senior Engineer Brian Bornstein, Public Services Director Karen McNamara, Senior Engineer Robin Bartlett, Solid Waste and Recycling Program Manager David Krueger, Community Services Division Manager John Skeel, and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

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Vice Mayor Perkins led the staff and the audience in the pledge of allegiance.

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Vice Mayor Perkins asked if there were any changes or additions to the agenda. The City Clerk noted that there were none.

Vice Mayor Perkins asked if there were any changes or additions to the Boards, Committee and Commission meetings schedule. The City Clerk noted that the July 26, 2007 Architectural Review Board meeting and the August 6, 2007 Southwest Area Transportation Committee meeting have been cancelled.

Cm. Livingstone added that the August 6, 2007 Senior Advisory Committee meeting will be held at the Dougherty Station Community Center.

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(#4.1) Recognition of Drew Williams, Parks and Community Services Commission Student Member 2006/07.

Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio commended Drew Williams on an outstanding job as Student Commissioner to the Parks Commission and Chair of the Teen Council. He noted the importance of having a student representative on the Commission who can provide input to the Commission and feedback to the Teen Council. Parks Commission Vice Chair David Ernest thanked Mr. Williams for his quality service and input. Vice Mayor Perkins presented Mr. Williams with a plaque and thanked him on behalf of the Council for all of his community service. Mr. Williams thanked the City for the opportunity to serve and influence the programs presented by the Parks Department.

Darlene Kittredge, Crime Prevention Specialist, provided an overview of the event which is scheduled for August 7, 2007. The event is designed to fight crime and promote drug prevention in neighborhoods. She stated that it is an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program which generates support for anti-crime programs, strengthens neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships. Representatives of the Police and Fire Departments will visit parties which have registered with the Police Department. Neighbors can get together for potlucks, ice cream socials, or parties in the park. She invited the Council to participate and reported that, to date, 16 block parties have registered. Information is available on the City web page.

(#4.3) Recognizing of Cindy Harper for the Success of the 2007 San Ramon Relay for Life.

This item was postponed until the arrival of Ms. Harper.

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The City Clerk stated that the League of California Cities 2007 Annual Conference is scheduled for September 5-8, 2007 in Sacramento. At the Business Meeting, the League membership considers and takes action on resolutions that establish League policy. In order to vote at the Annual Business Meeting, the City Council must designate a voting delegate and may designate two voting delegate alternates. A copy of the voting delegate form must be returned to the League’s office by August 13, 2007 so that the voting delegate and alternate records are established prior to the Conference.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to designate Mayor Wilson as the City’s Voting Delegate was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 4-0. Mayor Wilson was absent.

Cm. Rowley’s motion to designate Vice Mayor Perkins as one of the City’s Voting .

Delegate Alternates was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 4-0. Mayor Wilson was absent.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to designate Cm. Rowley as one of the City’s Voting Delegate Alternates was seconded by Vice Mayor Perkins and passed 4-0. Mayor Wilson was absent.

Vice Mayor Perkins reported that the Council met on July 23, 2007 to interview the three candidates who applied to the Parks and Community Services Commission. The vacancy was created with the resignation of Mr. Thomas McNamara in February 2007.

Vice Mayor Perkins announced that James Eaneman was selected by the Council as the new Parks Commissioner. Mr. Eaneman thanked the Council for selecting him. He stated that he will provide his full and best efforts while serving on the Commission.

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

Roz Rogoff provided an update on her recommendation to redistrict San Ramon from the Central Sanitary District to the Dublin-San Ramon Services District (DSRSD). She stated that Central San is increasing sewer rates and that DSRSD is lowering its rates. She spoke at a DSRSD Waste Water Committee meeting. She acknowledged that there are technical problems associated with the change and that the hook-up fee is high but felt that these problems are not insurmountable. Since DSRSD does not want to take the lead, she requested that the Council review the issue and consider the redistricting.

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Cm. Hudson’s motion to approve the July 10, 2007 minutes was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 4-0. Mayor Wilson was absent.

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Cm. Hudson requested that items 8.6 and 8.7 be pulled. Vice Mayor Perkins requested that items 8.2 and 8.3 be pulled for staff reports.

(#8.2) Resolution No. 2007-131 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with W. Bradley Electric, Inc. for the Construction of Old Ranch Road Traffic Signal Installation Projects (CIP Nos. 5333, & 5466) in an Amount not to Exceed $463,000.

Division Manager/District Engineer Maria Robinson provided the report. She noted that 7 bids were received. The Traffic Signal Installation Projects include: Old Ranch Road at Dougherty Road as part of the Dougherty Valley Traffic Mitigation project scheduled for completion at the end of this year; and Old Ranch Road at Old Ranch Estates which is a new traffic signal required for the Old Ranch Summit development and should be completed at the beginning of next year.

Vice Mayor Perkins asked when the work will begin. Ms. Robinson responded that work is expected to start on September 1, 2007.

(#8.3) Resolution No. 2007-132 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Reimbursement Agreement with Shapell Industries for the Bollinger Canyon Road Phase 1 Improvements from Alcosta Boulevard to Canyon Lakes Drive (CIP 5320 and CIP 5325) in an Amount not to Exceed $436,000.

The report was presented by Senior Engineer Brian Bornstein. Three travel lanes in each direction on Bollinger Canyon Road will be created by restriping and modifications to the median island. At the Alcosta Boulevard and Canyon Lakes Drive intersection, the median will be removed. At the Canyon Lakes Drive and Bollinger Canyon Road intersection, the median will be decreased from four feet to two feet. Work is expected to be completed by August 27, 2007. Vice Mayor Perkins asked when crews would work. Mr. Bornstein responded that crews will work during the day with limited work conducted during peak traffic periods. There will be some lane closures and the project is expected to be completed in two weeks.

(#8.4) Resolution No. 2007-133 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a Contract Between the City of San Ramon and Callander Associates for Preparation of the San Ramon Valley Iron Horse Trail Bicycle Pedestrian Corridor Concept Plan with Transportation Planning Land Use (TPLUS) Grant Funds.

(#8.5) Resolution No. 2007-134 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 1 to an Existing Agreement with C&K General Contracting to Extend the Agreement for One Year and to Increase the Scope of Work for Providing Crow Canyon Garden Improvements (CIP No. 5421) in an Amount not to Exceed $67,000 and a Total Cumulative Contract Amount not to Exceed $89,000.

(#8.6) Resolution No. 2007-135 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute a License Agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for the Installation of PG&E SmartMeter Communication Equipment Technology on City Owned Streetlights for a Period of Twenty Years.

Public Services Director Karen McNamara reported that PG&E is seeking a license agreement to authorize installation of SmartMeter technology on City owned street poles. She explained that the SmartMeters will create a digital metering system to read meters and provide utility bills on line.

Cm. Hudson questioned the length and terms of the agreement. Ms. McNamara replied that the agreement is for twenty years and includes a built-in escalator.

(#8.8) Resolution No. 2007-137 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Ace Auto Repair for the City’s Vehicle Maintenance Services in an Annual Amount not to Exceed $115,000 and Authorizing Staff to Issue Purchase Orders for all Subsequent Renewals, Increases in Scope of Work and/or Funds in a Total Length not to Exceed Five Years.

Cm. Livingstone’s motion to adopt consent calendar items 8.1 through 8.6 and item 8.8 was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 4-0. Mayor Wilson was absent.

(#8.7) Resolution No. 2007-136 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with HSR, Inc. for the Annual Creek Dredging Project (CIP 5455) in an Amount not to Exceed $334,440.Senior Engineer Robin Bartlett stated that the creek dredging project is designed to remove accumulated sediments, large trees, and other vegetation that pose a potential impediment to drainage in the flood control channels in San Ramon. The current phase of this multi-year project includes work at: the concrete channels and culverts on Belle Meade Drive and Oak Creek Drive at Broadmoor; South San Ramon Creek near the confluence with Coyote Creek; and South San Ramon Creek south of Pine Valley Road and the Royal Vista Golf Course. Five bids were received and evaluated by staff.

Cm. Livingstone’s motion to adopt consent calendar items 8.7 was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 3-0. Cm. Hudson abstained. Mayor Wilson was absent.

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(#4.3) Recognizing of Cindy Harper for the Success of the 2007 San Ramon Relay for Life.

Cindy Harper reported that the Relay for Life event which was held on June 30-July 1, 2007 was very successful. She stated that the Relay’s success is based on community support. This year’s event exceeded all expectations for the number of teams, participants, survivors and for the amount raised. In 2006, $83,000 was raised and this year’s event raised over $150,000. Ms. Harper thanked the San Ramon Valley Unified School District for the use of California High School. She added that the event was successful in recycling approximately 50% of the trash which it generated. Vice Mayor Perkins presented Ms. Harper with a certificate acknowledging her contribution as the event organizer. Cm. Rowley thanked Ms. Harper for her inspiration and leadership. Cm. Rowley encouraged residents to participate next year and thanked the City and the School District for their participation. The team is already working on the 2008 event which will be held at California High School.

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The staff report was presented by David Krueger, Solid Waste and Recycling Program Manager. He noted that Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris comprises 22% of the California Waste Stream. He provided an overview of the development of the Ordinance which included coordination with the Building Department to ensure ease of use and a streamlined permit process. Typical elements of a C&D Ordinance include: identifying the responsible party; establishing a threshold of ‘covered’ projects; specifying the diversion requirement; establishing fees; establishing penalties for non-compliance; reporting requirements; and exemptions.

Cm. Hudson requested clarification of the penalties. City Attorney Athan responded that the fees would be assessed based on a 12 month period.

Cm. Livingstone asked if problems were anticipated due to the penalty schedule. Mr. Krueger responded that, in his experience working for the City of Newark, no penalties were incurred.

Cm. Livingstone questioned the pool and spa exemption. Mr. Krueger noted that these projects typically do not meet the $100,000 threshold.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to introduce the Ordinance and waive the reading was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 4-0. Mayor Wilson was absent.

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

Cm. Hudson’s motion to schedule the Ordinance for adoption on August 14, 2007 Council meeting was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 4-0. Mayor Wilson was absent.

Community Services Division Manager John Skeel provided the report. The four proposed changes include: a requirement that Teen Council members contribute to the community and Teen Council events; a provision that all eligible applicants who are not accepted into the Teen Council will be placed on a prioritized wait list; a provision that the City Clerk fill any vacant position on the Teen Council with the first candidate on the wait list; and clarification of the City Clerk’s role in filling vacancies.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to approve the proposed changes to the Teen Council By-Laws was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 4-0. Mayor Wilson was absent. Vice Mayor Perkins commented that the new procedure should keep the Teen Council full and active.

The staff report was presented by John Skeel, Community Services Division Manager. A panel of Parks and Community Services Commissioners met to review applications and interview Teen Council candidates. The panel interviewed 46 Teen Council candidates and compiled a list of the 21 recommended candidates. The panel also formulated criteria for placing candidates on a wait list to ensure that there would be a fair selection method for allowing the automatic appointment of teens from the wait list to the Teen Council when vacancies become available. The 21 appointments and 9 alternates were recommended by the Parks Commission at their meeting on July 11, 2007.

Cm. Hudson's motion to appoint the 21 members and 9 alternates recommended by the Parks and Community Services Commission to the Teen Council was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 4-0. Mayor Wilson was absent.

Cm. Livingstone commended the Parks Commission for the exceptional job and effort involved in interviewing all of the candidates and thanked them on behalf of the Council.

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City Manager Herb Moniz had no comments.

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Cm. Rowley thanked Cindy Harper for her leadership on the San Ramon Relay for Life. She also recognized the Skeel family for their participation in the event.

Cm. Hudson reported on the July 23, 2007 East Bay Regional Park District meeting. He noted that the Calaveras Trail will be extended from Bollinger to Pleasanton. The Contra Costa County Transportation Authority confirmed financing to continue the Route 135 bus service in Dougherty Valley. He informed the Council that he will be attending the American Public Transportation Association Conference in North Carolina in October 2007 at no cost to the City.

On behalf of the Council, Vice Mayor Perkins recognized Steve Roebuck for his service as the announcer for the Royal Vista Aqua Bears for the past ten years. He thanked Mr. Roebuck for his exemplary support of aquatic programs in San Ramon and wished him future success.

Vice Mayor Perkins reminded residents to collect produce stickers and put them on the contest card for the Mayor’s Produce Sticker Challenge. He thanked Comcast and Animal Planet for a very successful Animal Planet Expo on July 14, 2007. He invited residents to go to the Saturday Farmers’ Market at Forest Home Farms. The public is invited to attend a City Center Presentation for San Ramon Home Owners Associations’ Board Members scheduled for July 26, 2007 at the San Ramon Community Center. The Summer Concert series continues on July 29, 2007 at Central Park featuring Big Band Beat (party band). He reminded residents to make sure that they are registered to vote for the November election. He noted that the Nomination Period for the Mayoral and two Council seats is open and asked interested residents to contact the City Clerk for additional information.

There being no further business, Vice Mayor Perkins adjourned the meeting at 8:17 p.m.

Signed:
Scott Perkins, Vice Mayor
Patricia Edwards, City Clerk

Approved at the August 14, 2007 City Council meeting, 3-0; Rowley absent; Wilson abstain.