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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-17-1996 CC Adopted MinutesREGULAR MEETING - December 17, 1996 A regular meeting of the Dublin City Council was held on Tuesday, December 17, 1996, in the Council Chambers of the Dublin Civic Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m., by Mayor Houston. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Barnes, Burton, Howard, Lockhart and Mayor Houston. ABSENT: None PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Houston led the Council, Staff and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES 7:04 p.m. 3.1 (700-10) Captain Jim Rose introduced Captain Gary Thuman, Dublin's new Police Chief. Captain Thuman is taking the place of Jim Rose, who will be going to North County Jail. Captain Thuman thanked the City Manager for the opportunity to come to work here in Dublin, and stated he eagerly anticipates beginning his new assignment here. Mayor Houston stated we will be having something special for Chief Rose who has done an outstanding job. Chief Rose stated he will be available to Captain Thuman for support. RESOLUTION (PROCLAMATION) 7:07 p.m. $.2 (610~50) Mayor Houston read a prepared Resolution recognizing Edward Campbell's service to the community. He recently retired from the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. The Resolution will be presented at his retirement banquet being held on January 7. CITY' COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 15 December '[ 7, '[996 PAGE 560 On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Barnes, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RE$OLUIION NO. 133 - 96 7:09 p.m. Steve Lockhart, 6621 RECOGNIZING EDWARD CAMPBELl'S SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY ¥ Planning Commission Resignation (420-40) Conestoga Lane, read a letter addressed to Mayor Houston congratulating Mayor Houston, Cm. Howard and Cm. Lockhart on their election victories. To eliminate any possibilitY of a conflict of interest between the Planning Commission and the CitY Council, he feels he should resign from the Planning Commission.' He stated he looks forward to serving the City in the future. He asked that his resignation be effective January, 1997 with the appointment of the new Commissioners. Mayor Houston stated he respected the decision and accepted his resignation. California Theatre Wing Closing (950-40) 7:11 p.m. Les Duman, with California Theatre Wing stated CTW most likely will be closing their doors at the end of summer next year. He stated he wanted to give information on 'their final show, hnocchio. He stated he would also like to speak with someone about Shanachie, an Irish folk music and story telling group. Mayor Houston indicated the Parks & Community Services Commission would be the appropriate ones to discuss this with. CONSENT cALENDAR 7:12 p.m. On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Lockhart, and by unanimous vote, the Council took the following actions: Approved (4.1) Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 4, 1996; Received (4.2 310-30) the Final Financial Report for Fiscal Year 1995-96 and the Annual Audit Report (including the report of the Independent Auditors and received the Management Letter, including Staff Response; CITY COUNCIL MINUIF. S RI~(IULAR MI'iI'iTIN ii Decombor `17, `1996 PAGE 56'1 Adopted (4.3 600-30) RESOLUTION NO. 134 - 96 AWARDING CONTRACT 96-09 DUBLIN SWIM CENTER CHLORINE CONVERSION PROJECT TO PO0£ SCFNF ($19,257) and Approved the Budget Change Form ($6,180) and authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement; (4.4 300-40) due to a major computer malfunction, no Warrant Register was approved. PUBLIC HEARING ENEA PLAZA PLANNED DEVELOPMENT REZONE PROJECT PA 96~043 7:13 p.m. 6.1 (450-30) Mayor Houston opened the public hearing. John Guthrie' stated he was present on behalf of St. Michael's Investments. Mayor Houston requested that the Staff Presentation be made and then Mr. Guthrie could make any comments and/or answer any questions. Associate Planner Ram presented the Staff Report and advised that St. Michael's Investments is proposing a Planned Development Rezone for an existing retail and office complex. The proposed PD Zoning District will update and combine the 3 existing PD Zoning Districts for the approximate 19.9 acre site located at the southeast corner of Amador Plaza Road and Dublin Boulevard in the Downtown Specific Planning area. The proposed District includes those uses presently allowed and in addition, will allow some new uses such as automotive parts sales and related vehicle servicing as permitted uses and hotel/motel as conditional uses. In summary, Ms. Ram stated the Enea plaza Planned Development Rezone Project will consolidate 3 existing Planned Developments on the site. Additionally, it will update the PD to more accurately reflect the current market, the new circulation in the Downtown area and associated development opportunities. Cm. Burton stated he is pretty excited about the hotel. He questioned the height of the flyover. Ms. Ram stated it would be at least 50 feet high. ci*1¥ COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME. 15 December q 7, q 996 PAGE 562 Cm. Burton noted in our zoning regulations we have a height limit of 4 5 feet. What would be the process of increasing the height allowed for a hotel of 5 or 10 stories just to match the freeway? Ms. Ram explained the process to allow a variance as part of the CUP process. cm. Burton stated he felt this is a nice place for a high rise. Mayor Houston commented the applicant is looking at what is best in their market studies. They will probably continue to look at this. This would be their decision. Cm. Barnes stated they do know that there is interest on the part of the City Council for a full service facility with banquet rooms, etc. Mr. Guthrie, representing St. Michael's, who is an Attorney here in Dublin, stated tenants are Extended Stay America and Pep Boys USA. They are quality tenants. They will maintain the current architectural design used in the area. He wasn't sure what is planned with regard to heights of' the building. No testimony was entered by any member of the public relative to this issue. Mayor Houston closed the public hearing. Cm. Burton felt this could become an important part of our community. On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Barnes, and by unanimous vote, the Council waived the reading and INTRODUCED the Ordinance and continued the public hearing to the January 7, 1997 City Council meeting. PUBLIC HEARING OPUS PLANNED DEVELOPMENT REZONE PA 96-020 7:2:3 p.m. 6.2 (450-:30) Mayor Houston opened the public hearing. Associate Planner Ram presented the Staff Report and advised that the Applicant, Opus Southwest, is requesting a rezone to a Planned Development Zoning District for a Business Office/Industrial Development at the southwest corner of Gleason Road and Hacienda Drive in the Eastern Dublin Specific Planning area. The project encompasses approximately 25 acres of land. CITY' COUNCIL MINUTES I/OLUME 15 Ri!~IULAR MEI'iTIN{I December 17, 1996 PAGE 563 Ms. Ram explained that the Alameda County Surplus Property Authority, who is selling the property to Opus Southwest, recently processed Amendments to the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan and General Plan. The Amendments revised the Land Use Designations of the Specific Plan and General Plan, and some elements and language of the Circulation Element, to accommodate potential land uses which were not specifically addressed in the original Plans. The Planning Commission recommended the requested Amendments in September, with the Council taking formal action on October 15, 1996. Ms. Ram summarized that the PD Zoning District will provide flexibility, direction and also serve to constrain development of the property in a manner that would be unobtainable through conventional zoning methods. The document "Development Regulations and Design Guidelines", once approved, will direct Staff through the Site Development Review process to assure a higher quality and more coordinated development. Cm. Burton felt it sounds like a good approach. He asked about child care in some of the major companies and what the process would be. He asked if this would be an acceptable thing which we will be encouraging. Ms. Ram stated at present this is not addressed in the Ordinance. They could come to the Planning Commission and request an amendment through a CUP process. Cm. Burton asked if this was something that should be in the wording. Ms. Ram stated we don't really know who the user will be for this project. It would be a fairly simple proCess for a user to come in and get a CUP. Something like this is best done on a site specific situation. John Greet, VP of Development of Opus Southwest Corporation stated working with Jeri and her staff had been a real pleasure. They are very cooperative and open minded. Cm. Burton stated the Council is excited about them coming in. Mayor Houston asked when they will break ground. Mr. Greet replied probably in the Spring. No testimony was entered by any member of the public relative to this issue. Mayor Houston closed the public hearing. CITY' COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 15 RE(IULAR/dEETINqi December 17, 1996 PAGE 564 On motion of Cm. Howard, seconded by Cm. Burton, and by unanimous vote, the Council waived the reading and INTRODUCED the Ordinance and continued the public hearing to the January 7, 1997 City Council meeting. PUBLIC HEARING ESTABLISHMENT OF GRAFFITI ORDINANCE 7:32 p.m. 6.3 (530-20) Mayor Houston opened the public hearing. Assistant Planner Johnson presented the Staff Report and advised that in accordance with Graffiti Task Force recommendations, Staff has developed a City Ordinance specific to graffiti, mandating removal of graffiti and achieving the goal of quick eradication. The proposed Ordinance broadens the definition of graffiti, declares graffiti to be a public nuisance, requires property owners and tenants to remove it, and provides various public remedies if graffiti is not removed. These remedies include criminal enforcement, abatement by the City (at the owner's or tenant's expense), and civil litigation. Cm. Barnes questioned Section 5 related to property owner's duty as well as duty of tenants. Situations with absent landlords was questioned and discussed. Mr. Johnson stated he discussed this area with City Attorney Silver and the conflict comes in with residential versus commercial. In some instances he would deal with property owner, but in cases such as WalMart, our records would indicate who the on-site manager would be. Based on the circumstances we would deal with whoever is most logical. Cm. Barnes asked about our incidents with private graffiti. Mr. Johnson stated on two or three occasions since February he has had to address graffiti on private property. There has been a few cases reported. Most property owners remove it of their own accord and it doesn't even come to his attention. Cm. Burton asked for a description of what people will see ~ a policeman coming with a warrant? Somebody reports it ~ then What happens? Mr. Johnson explained the process. The first is an education process. He would explain the City's philosophy and the City's ordinance that requires timely removal of graffiti. We would then switch to an enforcement process. We will use one of the remedies to remove it. CITY' COUNCIL MINUTES ~/OLUME 15 RE6ULAR MEETIN6 December 17, 1996 PAGE 565 Chief Rose stated he thought the police would be at the front line with regard to reported graffiti. They would respond with a uniformed patrol officer and write a report. They would try to catch the person committing the crime. A mechanism has been worked out for them to then notify the graffiti people who will follow up. Cm. Lockhart asked about options for people with economic hardships. Have we provided any mechanism for helping them with materials? Mr. Johnson stated there is a volunteer organization that has helped in the past with graffiti abatement and this is a source he would look to. Mayor Houston asked about the appeal process. A thought occurred to him if it is not considered graffiti, it would be a sign. It would have to conform to requirements- regardless. Mr. Johnson said if it appears to the common person to be graffiti, he would label it such. Mayor Houston stated we have a lot of absentee landlords and asked if they have been cooperative in removing graffiti. Mr. Johnson stated he thought the business community has been very responsive and it is a good business practice. Mayor Houston stated another aspect that lingers longer is on light poles and transformer boxes, and even in the Zone 7 canals. Public entities ~ what kind of creativity can we have working with fellow government folks? Mr. Johnson stated PG&E and the postal service has directives that the first person to open the box is responsible for removal of graffiti. If they have overlooked locations, they will handle it within 24 hours. Mr. Ambrose stated Section 4 requires graffiti to be removed on governmental property and provides a mechanism. No testimony was entered by any member of the public relative to this issue. Mayor Houston closed the public hearing. On motion of Cm. Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Howard, and by unanimous vote, the Council waived the reading and INTRODUCED the Ordinance and continued the public hearing to the January 7, 1997 City Council meeting. CIT~ COUNCIL MINUTF. S VOLUME 15 RE6ULAR MF-ETIN6 December 17, 1996 PAGE 566 REQUEST FROM DUBLIN HIGH SCHOOL BAND BOOSTERS TO UTILIZE DUBLIN SENIOR CENTER FOR WEEKLY BINGO GAMES 7:51 p.m. 7.1 (240-10) Parks & Community Services Director Lowart presented the Staff Report and advised that the Dublin High School Band Boosters have requested use of the Dublin Senior Center for weekly bingo games. They would like to use the Center every Thursday from 4:15 p.m. ~ 10:30 p.m., beginning in January, 1997. Ms. Lowart discussed the Agreement for Lease of Fallon School Multipurpose Facility and the Dublin Senior Center Facility Use Policy. Ms. Ix>wart discussed an.analysis of the request, including: 1) Day of Week and Time; 2) Term of Lease; 3) Use of Social Hall and Tables and Chairs; 4) Use of Kitchen; 5) Dublin High School Band Boosters Equipment; and ¢) Facility Use Fees. Ms. Ix>wart pointed out that the DHS Band Boosters have verbally indicated that the Dublin Senior Center is an interim location and that they would ultimately like to use the Shannon Community Center. Continuous use of Shannon Center is much more problematic and, if granted, would most likely result in the cancellation of City- sponsored classes and loss of revenue to the City. Staff will prepare a detailed analysis of the request if and when a written request is submitted. Ms. Lowart stated both the Senior Center Advisory Committee and the Parks & Community Services Commission are in favor of allowing the use subject to conditions. They differ on the issue of fees. P&CS Commission would like to recoup more of the costs and felt they should be charged $40 per hour. The Commission was also concerned about clean up of the facility. With regard to smoking, they should be required to clean up afterward. They should provide security and cleanup. Ms. Lowart stated they have now submitted a request to use Shannon Center. The earliest that a use could be accommodated would be April. Staff will prepare a detailed analysis regarding the use of Shannon Center. Cm. Burton asked what happens if they want to use coffee pot and have donuts and if this will be allowed. Ms. Lowart stated yes they can serve coffee and access electricity. Mayor Houston asked why they can't use the kitchen. Ms. Lowart explained issues related to the health permit which is issued to the City of Dublin. Any food preparation, the City has the ultimate responsibility and there could be some liability to the City. A lot of equipment is left out on the counters. We also have food donations from local grocery stores that we distribute over a period of the GIT~ (~OUNGII. MINUTE~ ¥OLUME ! 5 RE~U~R M~T~ December ~ ~, ~ 996 PAGE 567 week. If another group Were allowed in the kitchen, we would need to deal with this and this would impact our part time staffing. Another problem is the electrical setup at the Senior Center. It is not the greatest. Ms. Lowart stated they would like to use the Senior Center starting in January and felt they would hope to move to Shannon in April. Tonight's consideration is for the Senior Center. Me Carpenter, Director of Bands at DHS, stated they have had a police officer on site. They are also concerned about a possible litter problem with cigarette butts. They supply several ash cans and will continue to clean up afterward. With regard to Shannon Center, with the limit of people to 154 at the Senior Center if they grow, they would hope to move to a larger facility. It will take at least $ months to get the ball rolling. Cm. Howard stated she worked in the kitchen for bingo for a few years and asked how they will set up the snack bar since they can't use the kitchen. Mr. Carpenter stated they may have can sodas with ice chests and pizza delivery. Mayor Houston asked about the hours and if 10:00 p.m., was realistic to end the program. Mr. Carpenter stated they've allowed an additional 1/2 hour for cleanup. DUSD Superintendent Dr. Sugiyama has offered janitorial services on Friday mornings if necessary. Cm. Barnes clarified that the actual bingo games would start at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Houston asked if they had worked out storage options. Mr. Carpenter stated they've looked at a storage van on the property that will be secure. Cm. Burton asked how many people come as a rule? Mr. Carpenter responded as many as 200; last week it was around 95. Their break- even point is 120 to 125. Cm. Burton clarified that they don't visualize any problems with cigarette butts. Mr. Carpenter stated smokers are pretty good and realize the restrictions they work under. TheY're cooperative because they don't want to get closed down. CIT~ COUNCIL MINUTES ~/OLUME 15 RE(IULAR MEETIN(~ December 17, 1996 PAGE 568 Cm. Barnes stated she was concerned about a reduced fee because a lot of groups have come in to ask for fee waivers. Maybe we could just charge them the $40 rate during the fundraising times and allow them time for setup and cleanup. Cm. Lockhart felt because this is to be an ongoing process as opposed to a one-time event they could consider the lesser amount. Ms. Lowart stated this also was a concern of the ['&CS Commission. Mayor Houston asked who had rented a City facility at $40 per hour lately. Ms. Lowart stated there have been several, and they are generally one night events. Cm. Barnes stated the Lions Club for their barbecue pays the $40 per hour rate. Mayor Houston felt the whole program takes several hours and we should charge the $10 rate because this is different as they will be there week after week as opposed to a one time only event. Cm. Burton felt they should make a policy with a 6 month minimum to get the reduced rate. Ms. Lowart stated Staff could monitor the use during the ¢ months and it is anticipated that the $10 will just cover the Building Attendant. The City Council may want to re- evaluate this after the review. On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by C'm. Barnes, and by unanimous vote, the Council approved the request with provisions: 1) The term of the initial lease would be for ¢ months; 2) Storage of equipment would not be available; 3) Use of the kitchen would not be permitted; 4) Permanent mounting of the bingo board would not be recommended at this time pending further study; and 5) Fee for use would be $10 per hour. DISTRIBUTION OF CITY SONG "DUBLIN TOWN" 8:12 p.m. 7.2 (120~50) City Clerk Keck presented the Staff Report and advised that the professional recording of the City's official anthem "Dublin Town" is nearing completion, and once completed, the City will receive 1,000 cassettes. The Council in June, authorized the expenditure of $5,000 for this project during Budget deliberations. At this time it is appropriate for the Council to determine the best way to make the tapes available to the community. ClT~ COUNCIL MINIFFF~ ~/OLUME 15 RE6Ui~R MF-ETIN~i December 17, 1996 PAGE 569 One option for consideration, provided recouping the original outlay is not the main focus, would'be to make a specific number of tapes available, upon request, to Dublin based non-profit groups. Each group could then utilize the tapes for fund-raising purposes for their own organization. Ms. Keck stated also, because the song is timeless, a supply could be maintained by the City Clerk for sale from this point forward. Generally, Staff would expect an increase in the number of requests for copies of the song at certain times of the year such as during the St. Patrick's Day Celebration, during Dublin Pride Week, and potentially during the Dublins of America Convention being planned by the Dublin Sister City Association in October of 1998. Additionally, gift copies could be presented on occasion such as to groups touring the Civic Center or other occasions as deemed appropriate by Council or Staff. Cm. Burton expressed concern regarding the amount of Staff time spent on this. We should get our money up front and he felt there should be some charge. The groups can then sell them for whatever amount they want. It doesn't justify the City having to keep a set of books. Cm. Barnes stated her thought was to give them to the youth groups in town so they can make the money and keep a supply for us to sell or give as gifts. There should be some record of how many we give to the groups. Mayor Houston felt we need to send out a letter to all the groups and let them know they're available. They can then let us know how many they want. Cm. Lockhart felt we will have plenty with 1,000 copies. She agreed with Cm. Barnes that this was not a process to make money for the City. The easier process we use to get them out, the sooner someone will get benefit; not like the DHPA tapes. Consensus of the Council was that Staff send a letter to all Dublin-based non-profit organizations letting them know when the City song tapes are available and asking how many they would like. Cm. Barnes suggested and the Council concurred that we should suggest that the tapes be sold for $5.00. CONTRACT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM DESIGN AND INSTALLATION 8:22 p.m. 7.3 (600-30) Administrative Assistant Honse stated in November, 199G, the City Council directed Staff to accelerate the schedule for City utilization of the Internet. The first step of the CIT~ COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 1,5 RE~IULAR IdEETIN(i December 17, 1996 PAGE 570 · project is to evaluate proposals and award a contract for Communications System Design and Installation. Other proposals for Website Design Services and equipment purchases will be considered at a future meeting. Mr. Honse explained that the RFP for consultant services was divided into two distinct phases. Phase One was System Design and Phase Two was Installation and Configuration. Under Phase One, the consultant will evaluate Internet access options and prepare a written work product, to be presented to the City Council with recommendations from Staff. Under Phase Two, following a decision to proceed with an Internet access option, the consultant will install and configure the equipment and ensure that it is fully operational. Per City Council instructions, the consultant is precluded from selling the City equipment for the project. Cm. Burton stated he had very little knowledge of what Mr. Honse just said, however, he presented the information in a very concise manner. .Mayor Houston asked about the timeline. Mr. Honse stated the RFP provides 60 days to complete Phase One. They anticipate that required meetings with Staff will be completed in mid-January, so it's anticipated Phase One will be completed by the end of January. Cm. Burton asked if there is something unique about what we are doing. Mr. Honse stated the Internet in its present configuration has only been around for a couple of years so this is really pretty new. We are not trailblazers, but in a very real sense it is cutting edge technology. Mayor Houston stated he had looked at Websites for other cities and there is a wide range° Mr. Honse stated Staff anticipates having the City Council select a firm do the City's website in February. On motion of Cm. Barnes, seconded by Cm. Lockhart, and by unanimous vote, the Council authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement with Advanced Micronet Solutions and approved the $5,000 Budget Change Form. ClT3{ COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 1 I~ Oecember ~ 7, ~ 996 PAGE 57'1 DUBLIN SAN RAMON SERVICES DISTRICT ANNEXATION OF DOUGHERTY VALLEY PLANNING AREA 8:31 p.m. 8.1 (1000~10) City Manager Ambrose advised that on December 18, 1996, the Contra Costa County Local Agency Formation Commission will consider approval of the Dougherty Valley Planning Area by DSRSD for the purpose of providing water and recycled water services to that area. Bob Beebe, General.Manager outlined in a Memorandum, the potential benefits to the City of Dublin resulting from DSRSD's service to the Dougherty Valley. This annexation may result in reduced water rates to the City. Mr. PeabodY advised that some additional information was received today. LAFCO stated there is a problem with one agency with a tax sharing agreement. At least LAFCO will hear the Sphere of Influence and his understanding is that issue will get resolved tomorrow. Cm. Barnes stated she would oppose sending the letter. We are studying right now forming a task force to look at what is wrong with our water rates. This annexation could take 10 or 15 years to lower people's bills. This relies heavily on recycled water. This will raise the value of Tassajara land and she felt we should question raising their value when we should be looking at our own land. Cm. Howard asked if instead of just having Mayor Houston sign the letter, they could have a roll call stating who is for it and who is against it. If it is not a unanimous vote, it should so state. Mayor Houston stated he would support a roll call vote here, but not on the letter. Cm. Barnes asked if a person who votes no can write a letter of opposition and state she is a Councilmember. Assistant City Attorney Jarvis stated yes she could do this. On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Lockhart, and by majority vote, the Council authorized the Mayor to sign the letter to Contra Costa County LAFCO supporting the annexation of the Windemere Ranch portion of the Dougherty Valley to the DSRSD for water and recycled water services. Cm. Barnes and Cm. Howard voted in opposition to the motion. CIT'Ir COUNCIL MINUTES ~rOLUME 15 ~6u~ M~TIN6 Oecember '~ 7, '~ 996 PAGE 572 CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT TO DUBLIN SAN RAMON SERVICES DISTRICT WATER TASK FORCE 8:56 p.m. 8.2 (1000~20/110-$0) City Manager Ambrose stated on December 4, 1996, the City Council discussed their concerns with regard to water service costs in the City of Dublin. Representatives of DSRSD advised at that meeting of their proposal to form a water task force that would enable representatives from the City, the Dublin Unified School District, local businesses and representatives from the community to review the District's cost of water and make suggestions with respect to actions the District may take to lower the cost of water. Mr. Ambrose stated the District's General Manager has indicated that the District would like to invite the City to appoint a Council representative to participate in this effort. On motion of Mayor Houston, seconded by Cm. Lockhart, and by unanimous vote, the Council nominated Cm. Lockhart to serve at the City Council representative on the DSRSD Water Task Force. Cm. Barnes questioned if the meetings will be open to the public and if anyone can make comments. Mayor Houston stated he thought they would be open meetings. OTHER BUSINESS 8:45 p.m. Oath of Office (640-60) City Clerk Keck stated for the record that Mayor Houston was sworn into office on December 16, 1996. Removal of Mail Box at Arroyo Vista (430~90) Cm. Barnes stated it was upsetting at the DHA meeting with Arroyo Vista this evening, that without ever doing a thing, and with no notice whatsoever, the post office took out their mailbox. Many of the residents don't have cars or transportation to get to the post office. She urged the City Council to write a letter to the post office stating we need receptacles for depositing mail. This issue should come back to a future City Council meeting if necessary. Cm. Howard commented that she knew of only a couple of locations in the City where they have these pick up boxes. ClT~ COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUblE 15 P,,E~ULAR/*IEETIN(I December t 7, '1996 PAGE 573 Cm. Barnes stated years ago the City worked hard to get a drive through receptacle. Mr. Ambrose stated Staff would inquire with regard to the Arroyo Vista situation. Civic Center Sound System (200-20) Cm. Barnes stated the sound system used in the Council Chambers leaves something to be desired. Mayor Houston agreed. Cm. Burton felt it is a bad design. Cm. Barnes commented there doesn't seem to be a problem with Pleasanton or San Ramon. They use the old gooseneck system. Mayor Houston felt we will continue to work on this. He has received complaints from people who say the sound goes in and out. The City Council could also practice properly utilizing the microphones with the system we have. Mape Memorial Park Renovation/Dedication (950-40) Mayor Houston brought up the subject of Mape Memorial Park and noted we finally got the fence up and demolition will start soon. He had hoped to get an update on the scheduling. He hoped to have a rededication with a big celebration on Memorial Day weekend and make a ceremony out of it. This could be on the cover of our next Recreation brochure. Staff should notify State and Federal representatives, the Camp Parks Color Guard and bagpipes group, local associations, DHS Band and Wells Band, Art in the Parks people and most importantly try to locate family members of Mr. Mape. Cm. Barnes stated she knows someone who is in communication With them, so she would pass the word. Mr. Ambrose stated the contractor has 60 days to do the work, along with a 90 day maintenance period. A lot depends on the weather conditions. Memorial Day weekend would be cutting it pretty close because we would want the park to be at its best. Mayor Houston stated he really would like this to get done. We need to make this a priority and get it done. CIT]tr COUNCIL MINUTES I/OLUIdE 15 REIlULAR MEET1N{i December '17, '1996 PAGE 574 Mr. Thompson reported that the grass has been sprayed and they have to wait awhile for the grass to die before proceeding with demolition. Cm. Barnes suggested if we can't do it MemOrial Day maybe we should look toward the 4th of July. Mayor Houston felt it would be more difficult to get the school bands together to participate during the summer. Mr. Ambrose stated usually the parks are not in absolute pristine condition right after they are completed. It takes the maintenance period to make sure it is really up to speed. He will find out the cutoff date for the Recreation brochures and in the meantime, Staff can look at the timing. Cm. Howard pointed out that some of the neighbors might not appreciate too much activity at this location. Cm. Barnes felt that by inviting the community we may be able to attract an interest in getting the community to take ownership and get the bridge built. This could be a good start at getting community ownership. Mayor Houston directed that as we get closer we can work out details. The Council discussed the fact that a non holiday weekend might be better because a lot of people go away. ADJOURNMENT 11.1 There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at $:SS p.m. ATTEST:~ Mayor CITY' COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 15 RE6ULAR MEETING December 17, 1996 PAGE 575