A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held March 25, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2222 Camino Ramon, Mayor Wilson presiding.

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

STAFF PRESENT: Acting City Manager Greg Rogers, City Attorney Byron Athan, Police Chief Scott Holder, Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio, Economic Development Director Marc Fontes, Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla, Finance Division Manager Eva Howard, Recreation Services Division Manager Esther Lucas, and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

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Lucie M. Titus 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. The City Clerk noted that there were no changes or additions to the Boards, Committee and Commission meetings listed on the March 25, 2008 agenda.

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Lucie M. Titus, President of the Major General William F. Dean Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, recognizing Mayor Wilson as their 2008 Man of the Year. The Award recognized Mayor Wilson’s social responsibility, community spirit, and selfless service. Mayor Wilson thanked the Association for this recognition and Mrs. Titus for her service to United States servicemen and women.

Mayor Wilson presented the proclamation to Melanie Cervenka. Ms. Cervenka remarked that the Red Cross appreciates the relationship with the City and commended the City for its work on emergency preparedness. Mayor Wilson thanked the Red Cross for their contributions.

Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio introduced Dominique Yancey, Parks and Community Services Commission Chair. San Ramon is the recipient of three awards from the California Park and Recreation Society. These included: the Neighborhood/Community Life Award of Excellence for the Art Banner Project; the Recreation and Community Services Economic Impact Award of Excellence for the Youth Employment Program; and the Achievement Award for Facility Design and Park Planning - Specialty Park for Fire Truck Park. Ms. Yancey noted that there were over 300 submissions for the Award of Excellence and San Ramon won two of the 38 Awards which were given. She recognized Commission members Jim Eaneman, David Ernest, and Carol Lopez, who were in the audience. Mayor Wilson thanked the residents for supporting City staff and for giving staff the opportunity to do their best.

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Economic Development Director Marc Fontes provided the report. Geoffrey Johnson, a business owner in the Redevelopment area, submitted an application for the Property/

Business Owner vacancy on the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC). He was interviewed by the Council on March 18, 2008.

Cm. Perkins’ motion to appoint Mr. Johnson to the EDAC for a term through January 2010 was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0.

Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla gave the report. The San Ramon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recommended that Walt Trembley be appointed as their representative to the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC).

Cm. Rowley’s motion to appoint Mr. Trembley to the TAC for a term through January 2010 was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0.

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

Grant Gruber, representing Michael Brandman and Associates, informed the Council that the City Center Environmental Impact Report (EIR) received the Environmental Business Journal’s achievement award for Project Merit in Energy Infrastructure citing the landscape mitigation measures drought tolerant and low ozone forming characteristics. Brandman and Associates prepared the EIR. On March 26, 2008, the California Association of Environmental Professionals will recognize the City Center EIR with an Outstanding Environmental Analysis award citing the water supply, urban decay analysis, and the greenhouse gas emission analysis as document highlights. He stated that 650 EIRs were published last year and that it is noteworthy that San Ramon’s City Center EIR received two awards for outstanding environmental analysis. In November 2008, the EIR will be showcased at the Building Industry Show. Mr. Gruber anticipates that the EIR will be nominated for award consideration by the American Planning Association, the Governor’s Economic Environmental Leadership Awards, and the Urban Land Institute Award. He stated that the success of the City Center EIR is a testament to the effective collaboration between Sunset, the City and the Brandman team.

Cm. Hudson stated that the City Center EIR is the most impressive EIR that he has ever read. Cm. Perkins added that the City was pleased to work with Brandman and Associates and that the quality of the document and its readability is exceptional. Mayor Wilson thanked Brandman Associates on behalf of the Council for their work.

Roz Rogoff, resident, informed the Council and residents of a new feline rescue organization in the Valley called the Safe Cat Foundation. Ms. Rogoff encouraged residents interested in supporting the Foundation or in fostering a cat to send her an email at: contact@sanramonobserver.org.

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Vice Mayor Livingstone’s motion to approve the February 26, 2008 minutes was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to approve the March 11, 2008 minutes was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed 3-0. Mayor Wilson and Vice Mayor Livingstone abstained.

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(#8.2) Adoption of Ordinance No. 404 – Amending the San Ramon Zoning Ordinance to Add Subsection (1) to Section D3-6 Creating Height Limitations for Future Buildings Outside of the San Ramon City Center Project Boundary.

(#8.3) Minute Order No. 2008-05 – Authorizing a Cumulative Expenditure Not to Exceed $68,600 of Approved Funding for Purchase of Mobile Computer Equipment.

(#8.4) Minute Order No. 2008-06 – Accepting the Work by Quality Plus Construction, Inc. on Forest Home Farms – Guest House Renovation Project (CIP 5434) as Complete and Authorizing the City Clerk to File a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder's Office.

(#8.5) Resolution No. 2008-51 – Authorizing the Purchase of an iSeries System Computer and Associated Software, Services and Maintenance in an Amount Not to Exceed $47,300.

(#8.6) Resolution No. 2008-52 – Accepting Certain Roadway and Storm Drain Dedications and Improvements in RA 1123 (Portions of Albion Road, Harcourt Way and Windemere Parkway) for Maintenance (Windemere BLC, Land Development Company, LLC).

(#8.7) Resolution No. 2008-53 – Accepting Certain Roadway and Storm Drain Dedications and Improvements in RA 1142 (Portions of Albion Road and Windemere Parkway) for Maintenance (Windemere BLC, Land Development Company, LLC).

(#8.8) Resolution No. 2008-54 – Accepting Certain Roadway and Storm Drain Dedications and Improvements in RA 1175 (Portion of Windemere Parkway) for Maintenance (Windemere BLC, Land Development Company, LLC).

(#8.9) Resolution No. 2008-55 – Accepting the Improvements for Culvert No. 6 Beneath Windemere Parkway Within RA 1172 for Maintenance (Windemere BLC, Land Development Company, LLC).

(#8.10) Resolution No. 2008-56 – Accepting Certain Roadway and Storm Drain Dedications and Improvements in RA 1137 (Portion of East Branch Park-way) for Maintenance (Windemere BLC, Land Development Company, LLC).

(#8.11) Resolution No. 2008-57 – Accepting Certain Roadway and Storm Drain Dedications and Improvements in RA 1151 (Portions of East Branch Parkway and Sherwood Way) for Maintenance (Windemere BLC, Land Development Company, LLC).

(#8.12) Resolution No. 2008-58 – Accepting Certain Roadway and Storm Drain Dedications and Improvements in RA 1174 (Portion of East Branch Parkway) for Maintenance (Windemere BLC, Land Development Company, LLC).

(#8.13) Resolution No. 2008-59 – Accepting Certain Roadway and Storm Drain Dedications and Improvements in RA 1197 (Portion of Albion Road) for Maintenance (Windemere BLC, Land Development Company, LLC).

(#8.14) Resolution No. 2008-60 – Accepting Wildlife Crossing Improvements Beneath Windemere Parkway Within RA 1164 for Maintenance (Windemere BLC, Land Development Company, LLC).

(#8.15) Resolution No. 2008-61 – Accepting the Bridge Improvements for the Tassajara Bridge at Windemere Parkway within RA 1171 for Maintenance (Windemere BLC, Land Development Company, LLC).

(#8.16) Resolution No. 2008-62 – Accepting the Improvements for Culvert No. 5 Beneath Windemere Parkway Within RA 1150 for Maintenance (Windemere BLC, Land Development Company, LLC).

(#8.17) Resolution No. 2008-63 – Accepting Certain Roadway Improvements, Storm Drainage Facilities, and Creek Service Road and Associated Appurtenances in RA 1176 (portion of Windemere Parkway) for Maintenance (Windemere BLC, Land Development Company, LLC).

(#8.18) Resolution No. 2008-64 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 2 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 One Additional Day Per Week at the Dougherty Station Library in a Total Annual Amount Not To Exceed $302,400.

(#8.19) Resolution No. 2008-65 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 2 to an Existing Agreement with H&N Enterprises, Inc. to Renew the Agreement for One Year for Providing Weed Abatement Services in an Annual Amount Not to Exceed $58,553 and a Cumulative Agreement Total Not to Exceed $245,000 and Authorizing Staff to Invoke Amendments for All Subsequent Renewals, Increases in Scope and/or Funds in a Total Agreement Length Not to Exceed Five Years.

(#8.20) Resolution No. 2008-66 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 2 to the Existing Agreement with Sonitrol to Renew the Agreement for One Year for Alarm Services and Increase the Scope of Work to Include Additional Equipment Installations and Monitoring at the Dougherty Station Community Center, Service Center, and Senior Center in a Total Annual Amount Not To Exceed $47,384 for Amendment No. 2 and a Total Contract Amount Not To Exceed $73,036.

(#8.21) Introduction of Resolution No. 2008-XX (next in line) – Establishing Fees and Charges for Various Municipal Services for Fiscal Year 2008-09 and Repealing Resolution No. 2007-77.

Vice Mayor Livingstone’s motion to adopt consent calendar items 8.1 through 8.21 was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0.

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Eva Howard, Finance Division Manager, provided the report. This action is being taken to address this unfunded liability currently associated with the City’s retirement plan. One option to address the unfunded liability is to issue Pension Obligation Bonds. The California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) is a joint powers authority sponsored by the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties to provide California local governments and private entities access to low-cost, tax-exempt financing programs. Staff contacted CSCDA regarding the program and they provided several cost estimates and preliminary data regarding a bond issue. This action would authorize initiating the process to sell Pension Obligation Bonds through CSCDA. A Pension Obligation Bond report was presented to the Finance Committee in January, February and March 2008. The Committee directed staff to present the issue to the full Council for consideration of approval.

Cm. Perkins noted that although the City could make payments directly to CalPERS, staff’s proposal would result in the City paying a lower interest rate and saving money.

Cm. Perkins’ motion to adopt Resolution No. 2008-67 was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0.

Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio provided a Master Plan historical overview. Esther Lucas, Recreation Services Division Manager, summarized the public and staff participation in the planning process. Future program and service needs were identified. At its March 12, 2008 meeting, the Parks and Community Services Commission recommended that the Master Plan be forwarded to the City Council for adoption.

Brad Senden of The Center for Community Opinion provided a summary of the community telephone survey of 600 residents which they conducted in January 2007.

Mr. Eorio stated that the City had 15 developed parks in 1997 and 57 developed parks and school park sites in 2007. He reviewed the Master Plan’s ten Strategic Goals.

Mayor Wilson asked how the City balances the use of facilities by residents and visitors.

Mr. Eorio stated that this is a challenge and that residents and GO Card holders have priority registration. In response to Mayor Wilson’s question regarding filling the potential gap in after school programs resulting from the current state budget crisis, Mr. Eorio noted that the City provides many opportunities for children. The City also provides school park maintenance which saves the School District approximately $1 million annually. The Police Department provides support to youth through the Youth Resource Officer, School Resource Officer and the Character Counts! Program.

Cm. Rowley complimented the Parks Department staff for their work.

Cm. Perkins asked how the Parks Department plans to address the 100 strategies identified in the ten Strategic Goals. Mr. Eorio responded that the Parks Department goals are tied into the Master Plan. Staff will incorporate the strategies into their programs and review their progress monthly. Cm. Perkins thanked Department staff, participants, and the consultant for the quality of the Master Plan.

Vice Mayor Livingstone asked what plans are in place to deal with a potential water shortage. Mr. Eorio replied that the Dublin San Ramon Services District’s (DSRSD) Reclaimed Water System is fully installed in Dougherty Valley and is being expanded along the Iron Horse Trail to serve other areas in the City. The City is working with Public Services, DSRSD, and the East Bay Municipal Utilities District to design water efficient parks.

Mayor Wilson said that the Council realizes how fortunate the City is to have dedicated Parks Commissioners and Parks Department staff. He thanked the Parks Commission and the Parks staff for their dedication and commitment.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2008-68 was seconded by Cm. Rowley and passed 5-0.

City Clerk Patricia Edwards provided a summary of City actions relating to even year elections. Under the California Elections Code, a city may change to even year elections and consolidate its election with the statewide election or school district election if the City Council enacts an ordinance, adopts the ordinance and that ordinance is subsequently approved by the Board of Supervisors. If the City Council changes the date of the municipal election to even years for the Councilmembers without changing the date for the election of the Mayor, the City would have to conduct a municipal election every year. Before changing the municipal election date for councilmembers, a Charter amendment pertaining to the term of the Mayor should be adopted by the electorate.

Roz Rogoff, resident, expressed her support for changing the municipal election to even years but did not support term extensions. She suggested that the mayor’s term be removed from the City Charter and established by a City ordinance.

Cm. Hudson commented that San Ramon is among only three County entities that have an odd year election. He supports both the change to even year elections and term extensions. He noted that other cities in Contra Costa County who changed to even year elections did so with term extensions. City Attorney Byron Athan stated the Charter amendment will change the date of the election and not lengthen or shorten terms.

Cm. Perkins expressed his support to proceed with the Charter amendment. Cm. Rowley noted that the change to even year elections will save the City money.

Cm. Hudson’s motion directing staff to prepare a resolution for a Charter Amendment to change to even year elections was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed 5-0.

Cm. Hudson questioned why the mayor’s salary is included in the City Charter. City Attorney Athan stated that the mayor and councilmember’s salary is a municipal affair. Cm. Perkins’ motion to direct staff to prepare a City Council resolution to pursue the Charter Amendment to delete references to the mayor’s salary in the City Charter was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 5-0.

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Acting City Manager Greg Rogers had no comments.

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Cm. Hudson stated that the City of San Ramon will vote on the Urban Limit Line in 2010. He added that the Sphere of Influence is the correct procedure for the City to pursue in the Tassajara Valley issue and that the Initial Study/Negative Declaration is the correct instrument. He noted that Windemere Parkway will soon be opened to Tassajara. He reminded residents that the General Plan states that "no development is contemplated by, nor would any such development be permitted, as a result of the SOI amendment. The SOI would enable the City to cooperatively join the County and area land owners in initiating the Eastside Specific Planning process". He requested that any County staff or landowners who are aware of plans to annex the Tassajara Valley into San Ramon contact the City. He added that an Environmental Impact Report will be initiated for the Tassajara Valley. Of the cities which border the Tassajara Valley, Danville, Dublin and Contra Costa County, only San Ramon is not developing in the Tassajara Valley.

Cm. Perkins encouraged residents to get tickets for upcoming events at the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center.

Cm. Rowley thanked the Finance Department for their work on the Pension Obligation Bonds and the Parks Commission for their work on the Master Plan Update and Strategic Action Plan. She encouraged residents to participate in the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life will be held on June 28, 2008 at California High School.

Vice Mayor Livingstone noted that the Oakland A’s looked very good in spring training.

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Mayor Wilson encouraged residents who had questions about the Tassajara Valley to contact the City. At 8:50 p.m., there being no further business, Mayor Wilson adjourned the meeting with a moment of silence in memory of Daniel Pan, a ten year old resident who was killed in a bicycle accident.

Approved at the April 8, 2008 City Council meeting 5-0.