MINUTES OF THE
CITY OF SAN RAMON – COUNCIL MEETING

A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held November 13, 2007 at 6:00 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.

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Herb Moniz, City Attorney Byron Athan, Police Chief Scott Holder, Public Services Director Karen McNamara, and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

* * * *

At 6:00 p.m., the Council met in Closed Session pursuant to Government Code: (1) §54956.9 (a) for City Council to meet with City Attorney regarding existing litigation: Lindsey, James S. v. City of San Ramon (C-07-01928); (2) §54956.9 (a) for City Council to meet with City Attorney regarding existing litigation: Sierra Club v. City of San Ramon, et al (N-06-1976); and (3) §54956.9 (a) for City Council to meet with City Attorney regarding existing litigation: East Bay Regional Park District v. City of San Ramon et al (N-06-1975).

At 7:14 p.m., Mayor Wilson reconvened the meeting. All Councilmembers were in attendance. Mayor Wilson reported that on Closed Session item 1, Cm. Hudson’s motion to instruct the City Attorney to settle this litigation was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed unanimously. Mayor Wilson reported that no action was taken by the City Council on Closed Session items 2 and 3.

* * * *

The San Ramon Police Department Honor Guard, Lt. Liz Gresham, Officer Bill Doherty, Officer Cary Goldberg, Officer Rob Ramson and Officer Todd Santiago, provided the Presentation of the Colors and led the staff and the audience in the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Wilson thanked the Honor Guard for their presentation.

                                                                                         * * * *

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 the November 21, 2007 Arts Advisory Committee meeting has been cancelled.

* * * *

Steve Liao, representing San Ramon Presbyterian Church, reported that the 2007 Building Bridges event involved more than 250 volunteers, ages 5 to 65, working at 25 different sites. He thanked all of the volunteers and sponsors who made this year’s event a success. A proclamation thanking Chevron for its lead sponsorship was presented to Carolyn Wetmore and Rick Barrett. Ms. Wetmore said that Chevron is honored to receive this recognition and appreciates the opportunity to participate in the project. A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Lennar and was accepted by Shelece Draper. Ms. Draper noted that Lennar considers it an honor to partner on this event and to give back to the communities which it helps to build. A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Waste Management and was accepted by Sheila Fagliano. Ms. Fagliano stated that Waste Management is proud to participate in this program and to be part of this fantastic organization. Mayor Wilson thanked everyone who worked or contributed to this project which is another example of the San Ramon family working together.

Public Services Director Karen McNamara introduced the new Public Services employees and noted that they represent more than 80 years of collective experience in maintenance, operation and skilled trade. Kevin Wenzel has expertise in warehousing and transportation controls and currently works in the parks division. Walt Podesta utilizes his auto maintenance experience and works on signal projects and in the Public Services garage. Ron Fader has experience in facility management and maintenance and works at the Dougherty Valley theatre and aquatic center. Doug Pitcher will utilize his background in construction and landscaping in the landscape maintenance division.

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

Police Chief Scott Holder stated that one of the greatest challenges in starting the San Ramon Police Department was creating a records unit. He introduced Catrice Owens-Swift who has 16 years of records experience. Chief Holder recognized Ms. Owens-Swift’s "can do" attitude and her role in helping to establish a records system. She developed a method which enabled the Department to enter Police records in a wireless LaserFiche application rather than manually entering the information which resulted in a substantial time, staff, and cost savings.

Mayor Wilson presented Ms. Owens-Swift with a certificate and a gold star and thanked her for her contributions to the City. Ms. Owens-Swift thanked the Council for this recognition. She stated that she enjoys the challenges of her position and that it is a pleasure to work for San Ramon because of her pleasant co-workers.

* * * *

* * * *

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

* * * *

Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion to approve the October 23, 2007 minutes was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 4-0. Cm. Hudson abstained.

* * * *

Cm. Hudson requested that Item 8.1 be pulled for a separate vote.

(#8.2) Resolution No. 2007-189 – Approving an Administrative Regulation to Define Retiree Health Benefits for Employees not Covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

(#8.3) Resolution No. 2007-190 – Accepting a Certain Wetlands Mitigation/Detention Basin Facility on Parcel C of Subdivision 7961 (Greystone Ranch) as Complete and for Maintenance and Accepting an Offer of an Easement from the Oakridge at Greystone Ranch Association by the City of San Ramon.

(#8.4) Resolution No. 2007-191 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Quality Plus Construction, Inc. for the Construction of the Forest Home Farms – Guest House Renovation Project (CIP 5434) in an Amount not to Exceed $268,750.

(#8.5) Resolution No. 2007-192 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Veronica Tam & Associates for Professional Services Relating to Preparation of the City of San Ramon’s Housing Element Update in an Amount not to Exceed $74,624.

Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion to adopt consent calendar items 8.2 through 8.5 was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0.

Cm. Hudson noted that he is abstaining from the vote on item 8.1. Vice Mayor Perkins’ motion to adopt consent calendar item 8.1 was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 4-0. Cm. Hudson abstained.

* * * *

* * * *

Cm. Hudson’s motion to proceed with the administration of the oath of office was seconded by Cm. Livingstone and passed 5-0.

City Clerk Patricia Edwards administered the Oath of Office. Cm. Rowley was assisted by her daughter, Linda Rowley Thom. Vice Mayor Perkins was assisted by his wife, Elizabeth Perkins. Mayor Wilson was assisted by his wife, Dr. Karen Wilson, his son, Nathan Wilson, and his daughter, Natausha Wilson.

* * * *

City Manager Herb Moniz congratulated Mayor Wilson, Vice Mayor Perkins, and Councilmember Rowley on their re-election.

* * * *

Cm. Rowley stated that is an honor to serve the City of San Ramon for another four years. She thanked her family, friends, and neighbors for their vote of confidence.

Vice Mayor Perkins provided a brief summary of the City’s accomplishments and progress in the past four years. He thanked Herb Moniz, his fellow Councilmembers, City staff, his campaign committee and supporters, San Ramon’s citizens, and his family, especially his wife, for their support.

Mayor Wilson thanked his family, the Council, City staff, and the residents for all of their support and for making it possible for him to serve the city which he loves. He added that he is honored to serve the City for another two years.

* * * *

Mayor Wilson welcomed Mayor Michael Shimansky and Councilmember Newell Arnerich from the Town of Danville. He recognized former City of San Ramon Mayor Mary Lou Oliver who was in the audience. He thanked Sandy Barclay for making the flower leis for the newly sworn councilmembers. He invited everyone in the audience to the reception in the Terrace Room.

At 7:55 p.m., there being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting.

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