A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of San Ramon was held June 24, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 2222 Camino Ramon, Vice Mayor Livingstone presiding.

PRESENT: Councilmembers Hudson and Perkins and Vice Mayor Livingstone.

ABSENT: Councilmember Rowley and Mayor Wilson.

STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Herb Moniz, City Attorney Byron Athan, Police Chief Scott Holder, Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio, Recreation Services Division Manager Esther Lucas, Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla, Planning Services Manager Debbie Chamberlain, Senior Engineer Robin Bartlett, and City Clerk Patricia Edwards.

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At 6:02 p.m. the Council met in Closed Session pursuant to Government Code §54956.8 regarding Assessor’s Parcel No. 213-120-013 to meet with the real property negotiator Herb Moniz.

At 7:07 p.m., Vice Mayor Livingstone reconvened the meeting. Councilmembers Rowley and Mayor Wilson were absent. Vice Mayor Livingstone reported that the Closed Session would be continued after the Council meeting.

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Allyxis Fadal, Pooja Prasad, Royna Sunder Rajan, Evelyn Reed and Eesha Sasumana, members of Girl Scout Troop #30101, led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance.

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The City Clerk noted that there were no changes or additions to the agenda or to the Boards, Committee and Commission meetings listed on the June 24, 2008 agenda.

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Parks and Community Services Director Jeff Eorio reported that San Ramon has been designated as a Preserve America community. This distinction recognizes San Ramon’s efforts to protect and celebrate its heritage and makes the City eligible for federal grants. He acknowledged the San Ramon Historic Foundation for their assistance in obtaining this designation. The City is searching for funds to match a grant received from the Cali-fornia Cultural Heritage Endowment to continue work on the Farm’s education center.

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Recreation Services Division Manager Esther Lucas provided the report. The applicants were interviewed by a sub-committee of the Parks and Community Services Commission who compiled a list of 21 recommended candidates and 4 alternates. The Commission accepted their recommendations at their June 11, 2008 meeting. Cm. Perkins asked for clarification on the process to select the Student Representative to the Parks Commission. Ms. Lucas explained the process.

Cm. Hudson's motion to appoint the 21 members and 4 alternates to the Teen Council recommended by the Parks and Community Services Commission was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed 3-0. Mayor Wilson and Cm. Rowley were absent.

Transportation Division Manager Lisa Bobadilla provided the report. Staff recommended the appointment of Peter Rathman to the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) to fill a vacancy through January 2009. Cm. Perkins asked if the term could be extended to January 2011. Ms. Bobadilla noted that staff would like to maintain the normal TAC rotation but the appointment term is at the Council’s discretion.

Cm. Perkins’ motion to appoint Mr. Rathman to the TAC for a term expiring in January 2011 was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 3-0. Mayor Wilson and Cm. Rowley were absent.

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

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Cm. Perkins’ motion to approve the June 10, 2008 minutes was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 3-0. Mayor Wilson and Cm. Rowley were absent.

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(#8.2) Resolution No. 2008-124 – Statement of Investment Policy for 2008-2009.

(#8.3) Resolution No. 2008-125 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Off-Site Monument Sign License Agreement with 500 Bollinger Canyon Holdings, LLC to Construct an Off-Site Monument Sign in the Median of the Canyon Lakes Drive Right-of-Way.

(#8.4) Resolution No. 2008-126 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Contract Amendment No. 1 to Cooperative Agreement No. 4-1932-C with the State of California for Final Costs Associated with the Construction of the Alcosta Boulevard/I-680 Improvement Project (CIP 8144).

(#8.5) Resolution No. 2008-127 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement with Parsons Brinckerhoff for Engineering Services for the Alcosta Boulevard/I-680 Interchange Project (CIP 8144) in an Amount Not to Exceed $119,359.

(#8.6) Resolution No. 2008-128 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement with VenueTech Management Group, Inc. for Management Services for the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center and the Front Row Theatre and Extending the Term of the Agreement from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009 in an Amount Not to Exceed $390,000.

(#8.7) Resolution No. 2008-129 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement with Jacqui Hatzikokolakis for Graphic Design Services In an Amount Not to Exceed $68,000.

(#8.8) Resolution No. 2008-130 – Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Michael Brandman Associates for Professional Services for the City Center Project Environmental Impact Report in an Amount of $9,800 Including All Reimbursables.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt consent calendar items 8.1 through 8.8 was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed 3-0. Mayor Wilson and Cm. Rowley were absent.

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The staff report was presented by Herb Moniz, City Manager. He noted that staff and the developer have worked diligently to move the City Center project forward after the settlement of the lawsuit in February 2008. Their efforts included: defining the mixed use/retail, civic facilities and office portions of the City Center project; revising estimates for the cost of construction for the project; and refining revenue projections. Staff and Sunset Development continue discussions with major retailers. On-going discussions are being held with selected home building companies in an attempt to select a residential home builder who will deliver a high quality product in all price ranges in a timely manner. Due to major infrastructure (drainage and circulation) improvements necessary on the 7.56 acre site, the City and Sunset Development will execute Sunset’s repurchase option. A public workshop on the financial terms and conditions for the City Center project is tentatively scheduled for the fall.

Alex Mehran, president of Sunset Development, provided a detailed time line for the project components including the Plaza District, Office (Bishop Ranch 1A) and City Hall. He noted that it is a very aggressive schedule and that it was important to proceed in order to allow sufficient lead time for materials to be ordered and delivered.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2008-131 was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed 3-0. Mayor Wilson and Cm. Rowley were absent.

Cm. Perkins directed staff to begin the design of the City Hall, Transit Center and associated parking garage and to include solar panels and other energy efficient technologies to the maximum extent practical. The motion was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 3-0. Mayor Wilson and Cm. Rowley were absent.

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Recreation Services Division Manager Esther Lucas introduced Matt Lucas, Chairperson of the 2007-08 Teen Council, who provided the report. He stated that the Teen Council has four standing sub-committees: Programming, Public Relations, Political Awareness and Valley Youth Council. He summarized each sub-committee’s 2007-2008 Goals, Accomplishments and Projects. He reviewed the Teen Council’s Suggestions for 2008-09 which include: stay active in volunteer opportunities; strive to maintain an active membership; promote www.srteen.org; increase political awareness through events, education, and promotion; advise the Parks and Community Services Department on Teen Programming; advance discussion of pertinent teen issues; hold events to increase exposure to the community; continue active partnership with the San Ramon Valley Youth Council; continue fundraising; continue active role with other City committees; and review its policies and procedures.

Cm. Perkins’ motion to accept the report was seconded by Cm. Hudson and passed 3-0. Mayor Wilson and Cm. Rowley were absent.

Planning Services Manager Debbie Chamberlain reviewed the history of the Northwest Specific Plan (NWSP) and the Faria Preserve Community and the impact of the Settlement-Related Refinements. Staff evaluated the proposed changes against the approved Conditions of Approval, the adopted mitigation measures, and the requirements of the NWSP and concluded that there is no need for additional environmental review because the minor changes are non-substantial and technical in nature.

There were no Council comments. Vice Mayor Livingstone opened public comment.

Roz Rogoff, resident, stated that the plan modifications are an improvement over the initial plan. She noted that the San Ramon Valley Unified School District has consistently underestimated needed capacities. She suggested that the City put pressure on the School District to add an elementary school to this project.

Michael Jones, resident, requested that the Council move with caution. He believes that the initial financial plan is no longer valid. He urged the Council to abstain from voting until a proper analysis is completed to ensure that the project will not harm San Ramon. He is concerned about the project’s impact on nearby home values and student attendance at Twin Creeks School. He requested that the City demand a recalculation of the Association of Bay Area Government’s (ABAG) statistics which are driving the project.

Carl Weisiger, resident, stated that he is in favor of the minor modifications described in Resolution No. 2008-132 as consistent with the overall project plan.

The City Clerk stated that two emails were received which addressed this item.

Robert Klinger, resident, recommended that the parking area near the church which provides access to the trails be restricted. No overnight parking should be allowed. He also requested parking restrictions in public areas throughout the development.

Leslie Mague, resident, noted that the homes that were intended to be on courts on the hillside near Old Bollinger were moved to the middle of the project. The riparian corridor was moved to the outside of Neighborhood "A" versus the interior. She requested clarification that Neighborhood "D" is now the senior housing/house of worship community. She requested that several safety concerns be addressed and that the housing numbers for the decreased footprint be provided.

Cm. Perkins asked who owns the parking associated with the trail staging area. Ms. Chamberlain said that it is presumed to go to the East Bay Regional Parks District as part of the Settlement Agreement. Art Lorenzini, project developer, indicated that there has been no final resolution. Cm. Perkins noted that since the parks are open from dawn to dusk no additional parking requirements are needed.

Cm. Hudson stated that the Council must follow the voter approved General Plan 2020 and should not abstain from voting. He added that the regional ABAG housing numbers are current and are based on job projections. He noted that a well developed project will not negatively impact home values. He recommended that residents discuss their concerns regarding the need for an elementary school with the School District. He stated that the first motion which he made as a Councilmember in 1998 was for an elementary school in this area. The Council agreed and directed staff to plan accordingly.

Cm. Perkins noted that it will take several years for the project to be completed and estimated that it will be 3 to 5 years before the houses are on the market. He supports moving forward on the project.

Cm. Hudson remarked that this project was presented to the General Plan committee as part of the solution to the jobs/housing balance required by ABAG and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

Vice Mayor Livingstone did not support spending additional time studying the project. He added that San Ramon needs the housing and that the School District did not want the land. He agreed with Mr. Jones that Twin Creeks school is at capacity and does not know how the School District will accommodate the students from this project at that school.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2008-132 was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed 3-0. Mayor Wilson and Cm. Rowley were absent.

Vice Mayor Livingstone closed the City Council meeting and convened the Geologic Hazard Abatement District No. 1990-01 Board of Directors meeting.

Senior Engineer Robin Bartlett provided the report and outlined the duties of the GHAD for the parcel. Cm. Perkins asked if the parcel was located behind Monarch Park. Mr. Bartlett stated that it was one of two parcels in that area.

Vice Mayor Livingstone opened the public hearing. There were no requests to address this item. Vice Mayor Livingstone closed the public hearing.

Cm. Hudson’s motion to adopt Resolution No. 2008-133 was seconded by Cm. Perkins and passed 3-0. Mayor Wilson and Cm. Rowley were absent.

Vice Mayor Livingstone closed the Geologic Hazard Abatement District No. 1990-01 Board of Directors meeting and reconvened the City Council meeting.

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City Manager Herb Moniz wished everyone a happy Fourth of July.

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Cm. Hudson suggested that the Council be aware of several legislative items including SB 375 and SB 32. He read excerpts from ABAG’s Housing Needs Plan 2007-2014. He noted that the City must identify the opportunity to provide low, very low and extremely low income housing.

He noted that Dougherty Valley is being developed by Contra Costa County and that some of the water in Dougherty Valley is supplied by East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). Residents who have concerns about mandatory water restrictions should contact EBMUD.

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Vice Mayor Livingstone reminded residents to attend the San Ramon’s Farmers Market. He extended congratulations to San Ramon’s recent graduates. He encouraged everyone to participate in the Relay for Life at California High School on June 28-29, 2008. He invited residents to celebrate the City’s 25^th birthday with fireworks on July 4^th.

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At 8:31 p.m. the Council adjourned the meeting to Closed Session pursuant to Government Code §54956.8 regarding Assessor’s Parcel No. 213-120-013 to meet with the real property negotiator Herb Moniz.

At 8:42 p.m., Vice Mayor Livingstone reconvened the meeting. Councilmembers Rowley and Mayor Wilson were absent. Vice Mayor Livingstone reported that the Council met in Closed Session pursuant to Government Code §54956.8 and gave instructions to its negotiator, Herb Moniz.

At 8:44 p.m., there being no further business, Mayor Wilson Vice Mayor Livingstone adjourned the meeting.

Approved at the July 10, 2008 City Council meeting 3-0; Wilson abstain; Rowley absent.