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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-17-1998 CC Adopted MinutesREGULAR MEETING ~ February 17, 1998 A regular meeting of the Dublin City Council was held on Tuesday, February 17, 1998, 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: ABSENT: Councilmembers Barnes, Burton, Howard, Lockhart and Mayor HOUston. None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pack 545 of the Webelo Cub Scouts (Frederiksen School), led the Council, Staff and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. cLOSED SESSION 7:06 p.m. 10.1 (640~$0) The Council recessed to a closed session to conference with Legal Counsel ~ Pending Litigation ~ pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (a) ~ Silvergate Highlands Owners AssociatiOn vs. City of Dublin ~ Alameda County Superior Court No. V~01 $856~3. REPORT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTION Mayor Houston announced that no action was taken in the closed session. At 7:2S p.m., the public meeting was reconvened with all Councilmembers present. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME ! 7 REGULAR MEETING February ~ 7, ~ 998 PAGE 57 CONSENT CALENDAR 7:23 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 February 3, 1998; Received (4.2 600~30) a report related to Budget Adjustment for reimbursement of State Mandated Costs per agreement with DMG & Associates and approved the Budget Change Form; Received (4.3 330-50) the Financial Report for the month of January, 1998; Adopted (4.4 700~20) Accepted (4.5 600~ 30) improvements constructed under Contract 97-13, Shannon Center Floor Replacement Project; authorized $14,628.15 payment to Flooring Solutions for their final invoice and to release $1,625.35 retention after 35 days ff there are no subcontractor claims; Reviewed (4.6 600~30) request by Metricom, Inc., to authorize change in Control Agreement providing for maintenance of Wireless Communications Facilities on Public Property ~ Wireless Radio Transmitters on Street Lights and authorized the City Manager to consent to change in control as outlined in the letter from Metricom, provided that the firm is not in breach of the Agreement, including payment of any monies owed pursuant to the Agreement and authorized Staff to exchange lease revenue from 12 antenna locations to provide a pilot project involving Internet access and e~mail on 5 workstations; Adopted (4,7 410~50) RESOLUTION NO. 13 -98 APPROVING RECONVEYANCE OF INTEREST IN DEED OF TRLJST, PARCEL #4 OF PARCEL MAP 7109 AND RELEASE OF PROMISSORY NOTE C[TY COUNCIL ]'41NUTES VOLUlViE ! 7 REGULAR MEETING February 17, !1998 PAGE 58 Adopted (4.8 Approved (4.9 670-80) RE$OI_UIION NO. 14 - 98 APPROVING QUITCLAIM OF PROPERTY TO IHOP REALTY CORPORATION $00~40) the Warrant Register in the amount of $1,630,532.29. PUBHC HEARING ~ AMENDMENT TO MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING PERMIT PARKING; ADOPTION OF PERMIT PARKING, LIMITED PARKING & NO PARKING ZONES FOR SCARLETF COURT 7:24 p.m. 6.1 (570-20) Mayor Houston announced that Item 6.1 would be continued to the City Council meeting of March $, 1998, but the Council would receive testimony if anyone wished to speak regarding the item. Mayor Houston opened the public hearing. No public testimony was entered by any member of the public relative to this issue. Mayor Houston closed and continued the public hearing. REAUTHORIZATION OF MEASURE B (1/2 CENT SALES TAX PROGRAM) 7:24 p.m. 5.1 (1060-90) Public Works Director Thompson presented the Staff Report and advised that this program would extend the 1/2 cent sales tax 15 years past the year 2002 to fund needed transportation improvements within Alameda County. The tax would require a 2/$ affirmative vote to go into effect. Mr. Thompson advised if the extension of the sales tax is approved, the City of Dublin will continue to receive funding for road maintenance projects. The Tri~ Valley Area will also receive funding for needed regional transportation projects. The City currently receives $154,800 per year from the existing Measure B sales CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 17 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 59 tax program. In the new Expenditure Plan, the City would receive approximately $199,800 per year. Mr. Thompson explained that the Expenditure Plan provides for the following capital projects that would be a direct benefit for the City of Dublin and Plan Area 4 (Alameda County Tri~Valley Area): Name of Project 1) I~ 580 / SR84 Interchange 2) State route 84 (1-580/I-680) 3) Iron Horse Bicycle Pedestrian Path, Scarlett Drive and Transit Routes $ 5 M * 4) I~ 580 Auxiliary Lanes $10 M 5) 1~680 HOV Lane from SR84 to Santa Clara County $ 25.8 M ** 6) Altamont Commuter Express Rail $ 7.99 M 7) LAVTA $ 2.45M 8) Paratransit $10 M Amount (in millions) $20M $70M * Each Planning Area, as a minimum, should spend 4% of the reauthorization funds for non-motorized Capital Projects. ** The Tri-Valley Area's (East Alameda County) share is $12.9 million. Christine Monsen, newly appointed Executive Director of ACTA addressed the Council and explained that starting in January, they brought to each of the Councils and so far, have 8 approvals. ACTA approved the Expenditure Plan on January 22, 1998, and is requesting approval by the Cities and the County. In order for the Board of Supervisors to place a sales tax extension on the June . ballot, the Expenditure Plan must be approved by a majority of the Cities, representing a majority of the population in Alameda County by the end of February. Following this approval, the Board of Supervisors will meet on March 3, 1998 to give their approval in order to meet deadlines for the June election. A citizens watchdog committee will report directly to the public. The BART extension plan description will be corrected. She requested that the City Council endorse 2 changes with the plan. The City of Fremont requests that approval be contingent upon inclusion of the revised project description wording for Project 492 and that the name for Project 492 be changed from "BART/Rail Extension to Warm Springs" to ~BART Extension to Warm Springs". Cm. Lockhart asked if Fremont had previous input before the project summary and description were prepared. CiTY COUNCIL M~NUTES VOLUME 1 7 REGULAR MEETING February 17, ~ 998 PAGE 60 Ms. Monsen explained that the draft was a very fast process. The Mayor was involved in the process. They want to make sure the priority is to deliver the Warm Springs Extension. Cm. Lockhart clarified that some cities had adopted the plan without the changes. Ms. Monsen stated the City of Emeryville has not approved the revisions. A number have approved it with the revisions. Some communities would prefer that alternatives be considered for the corridor. No sponsor has stepped forward. We have until 2007 to come up with a fully funded project. The Fremont project has the largest shortfall of funds. They want to make it very clear that these funds are identified for the Warm Springs Extension. Cm. Lockhart discussed what will happen if it isn't funded by 2007. Ms. Monsen explained that a new project sponsor could come before the agency to explain what they have done in the past year. If the agency decides to reconsider, as the project descriptions are written, BART would be the one to determine what the project is. Mayor Houston felt BART is looked upon as the first choice and in many cases, the last choice. They can say in their documentation, that funds are dedicated to them. This makes sense that BART be the one to be the lead on this. Mayor Houston asked if any cities had disagreed with Fremont's proposal. The City of Newark who approved it last Tuesday basically felt it doesn't affect their funding and their projects, so Fremont can name it what they want. Mayor Houston felt the revisions were acceptable to the. City of Dublin. Tom Blalock, 42666 Sally Street, Fremont, who is on the BART Board of Directors stated he felt Christine explained the process very well. He emphasized two things: BART polls are so much higher and the revised language puts BART in a better position to reach out for the missing funds. Cm. Burton felt a need to move forward as this had had hundreds of man hours put into it. C~TY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME [ 7 REGULAR MEETING February PAGE On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Barnes, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted with the recommendations of both the present plan and the amended plan as requested by the City of Fremont RESOLUIION N0. 15- 98 THAT THE EXTENSION OF THE HALF-CENT SALES TAX BE PLACED ON THE SUNE 1 §98 BALLOT PUBHC HEARING ESTABLISHMENT OF EASTERN DUBLIN SPECIHC PLAN AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION FEE 7:41 p.m. 6.2 ($90~20) Mayor Houston opened the public hearing. Assistant City Manager Rankin presented the Staff Report and advised when the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan was adopted, it was anticipated that there would be various studies and administrative costs associated with the implementation of the Specific Plan. The SP provided for these costs to be recovered from the affected properties in accordance with State Law. This item will establish an Eastern Dublin Specific Plan Fee which will become effective 60 days following adoption. The proposed fee is $141.70 per acre for residential properties, and $126.42 per acre for other land uses. The rural residential land uses would pay $141.70 per 100 acres. Mr. Rankin advised that as required by State Law, the City Council must provide a public comment period prior to approving and establishing any fee. Staff published the required public notices announcing the public hearing date and all affected property owners were mailed information regarding the fee. As of this time, no written comments had been received. Cm. Burton asked when this fee would be due and what happens if they don't pay. C[TY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 1 7 REGULAR MEETING February 17, 1998 PAGE 62 Mr. Rankin stated the fee is due at time of applications if land use change is requested consistent with the Specific Plan. It is paid one time only. Cm. Burton commented on the exactness of the figure. It is impressive. No public testimony was entered by any member of the public relative to this issue. Mayor Houston closed the public hearing. On motion of Cm. Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Howard, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RE$OLUIION NO. 16 - 98 ESTABLISHING FEES AND CHARGES FOR PUBLIC SEIIVICE$, EASTERN DUBLIN SPECIFIC PLAN AND EIR MIIIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM PUBLIC HEARING AMENDMENT OF DUBLIN MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 2.28 RELATING TO CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LIMITATIONS 7:46 p.m. 6.3 (630-20) Mayor Houston opened the public hearing. City Attorney Silver presented the Staff Report and advised that at the last City Council meeting, she presented a report that concluded that Dublin Municipal Code Section 2.28, relating to campaign contribution limitations and expenditure limitations, was vulnerable to legal challenge as a result of the Federal District Court ruling invalidating Proposition 208. At that meeting, the Council directed Staff to revise the current Ordinance to provide a $300 limit on campaign contributions during an entire election cycle (two years) and to eliminate the voluntary expenditure limitations. The Council also determined that the City's contribution and expenditure reporting amount be set at $100 which is the same as the state limit. Under the City's Ordinance prior to changes as a result of Proposition 208, the City had a $25 reporting increment. CITY COUNCIL M}NUTES VOLUME J 7 REGULAR MEETING February 17, 1998 PAGE 63 Cm. Lockhart asked when they can accept contributions. Ms. Silver stated once this Ordinance becomes effective, they can accept contributions 6 months before the election. City Clerk Kay Keck pointed out that they must first declare their candidacy before they can begin collecting contributions. Cm. Burton asked if this could be an urgency ordinance. Mayor Houston questioned the timing of when it would be effective. Staff responded if it is introduced tonight and adopted on March 3, it would then become effective on April 3. George Zika, 8046 Peppertree Road asked if somebody gets elected for a 4 year term could they then begin immediately collecting for an election 4 years in the future. Ms. Silver stated if a contribution is designated in writing, it is possible, but it would be a bookkeeping problem. They still have reporting requirements. Mr. Zika felt it would be good to identify election cycles as two year terms. The Council pointed out that they have to report every 6 months to FPPC. Mr. Zika asked if they have to declare what office they are running for. He asked about a scenario whereby someone would collect funds and then decide to run 4 years later instead of £ years. He asked if they could collect $600 in this case. Mayor Houston felt that typically people don't hoard money in accounts. They spend it to try and get elected. Mr. Zika stated he was concerned about raising the threshold of reporting from $25 to $100. Historically, campaigns have run about $4,000 with the Mayor's race costing a little more. People giving $99, there is no record of this. This could be 20% to 25% of campaign costs. This would show where the support comes from. The only additional strain would be on the candidates in filling out the forms. This doesn't cost the City anything. The last election had the requirement for reporting at the $25 level, but this was not included in the current Ordinance. CiTY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 1 7 REGULAR MEETING February 17, 19~)8 PAGE 64 Mayor Houston stated the only reason we are changing our Ordinance is because the Judge ruled Proposition 208 was unconstitutional. Mr. Zika requested that the $25 reporting requirement be put back in. A1 Hunter, 7994 Jade Circle stated he is not running for Mayor or the Council, so he has no dog in the race. He was involved in the campaign in 1994 and knew he wrote a lot of thank you letters for $99 donations. If we limit contributions to $300, he knew ff someone wanted to donate $3,000, it can be done. Someone will find loopholes. He agreed on the $25 disclosure, but suggested we remove any contribution limit. He suggested the reporting time be from January 1 up to the day of the election. We should disclose everything above $25, don't put a cap on the contribution amount, and cut the time down. This would simplify the whole matter and address the realities. Ms. Silver commented with respect to the Supreme Court ruling, they held that expenditure limits are unconstitutional. They did not address contribution limits. John Anderson stated some time ago there was discussion about term limits. The whole effort behind that was to avoid career politicians. This smacks of the same thing. Three issues are involved: total limitations, disclosure, and the time when you can collect. Total limitations tend to level the playing field. Under disclosure limit, what residents are looking for is where the money comes from. Why not disclose $25? Regarding limit on when you can collect, he felt 6 months was adequate. It seemed to him that we are going in the opposite direction from what citizens wanted. Mayor Houston closed the public hearing. Cm. Burton asked if they could change the ordinance tonight without starting the process all over. Ms. Silver stated they could make changes and she would advise whether they are substantive. Cm. Barnes asked that they put back in the $25 reportable amount. Ms. Silver felt this could be considered. She stated she could give language to be included. This would include language which was in the Ordinance prior to the Ordinance adopted in 1997. CITY COUNCIL I'4INUTES VOLUME 1 7 REG U LAR MEETING February 17, 19~78 PAGE 65 Cm. Barnes made a motion which was seconded by Cm. Howard to waive the reading and introduce the Ordinance amending Chapter 2.28 of the DMC relating to campaign contribution limitations for elections, to include a $300 contribution ceiling and a $25 reporting amount. This motion failed due to NO votes cast by Cm. Burton, Cm. Lockhart and Mayor Houston. Cm. Ix)ckhart felt they are making it harder and harder on everyone by making all these changes. She felt State guidelines are there for a reason. She was not in favor of making new limitations. We should follow State rules. She also felt that with the Proposition 208 ruling,' realistically someone was looking at what it costs to nm an effective campaign and get the word out on who you are. She was concerned that if we tighten up what we have on timelines, this really doesn't hurt incumbents, but rather hurts someone sitting in the audience as it would be more difficuR for them to raise money. She feR we should keep the election cycle the way it is and follow State guidelines so everyone follows the same rules. Cm. Howard felt people in our community want the $25 disclosure and they want to see where the money is coming from. This should be reported. Cm. Burton commented he has run a number of times and felt the $25 is a nuisance to record and report. There is an aura of suspicion that they would be swayed by $25 and this bothered him. Just to do a mailing costs $2,500. Newcomers on the scene will need to have some money and he did not feel $25 is a good line to draw. He did not feel that $100 will make a real difference. Let's make it easy for people who want to nm. Everyone is looking over your shoulder and you have to make your reports on time or the State comes down with a big hammer. Mayor Houston agreed and referred to comments made earlier about people getting around the limit. People who try this are subject to fines by FPPC. Cm. Barnes clarified that 1TPC requires that you keep records on every dime collected. All they are asking is to let people in the community know. On motion of Cm. Burton~ seconded by Cm. Lockhart, and by majority vote, the Council waived the reading and INTRODUCE the Ordinance as presented. Cm. Barnes and Cm. Howard voted in opposition to the motion. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 1 7 REGULAR MEETING l:ebruary 1 7, ~ 998 PAGE 66 15TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION 8:25 p.m. 7.1 (950~40) Parks & Community Services Director Lowart presented the Staff Report which summarized the final plans for the St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Scheduled activities include the Green & White Gala sponsored by the Dublin Sister City Association, a Community Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Fire Department, the Lion's Club Parade, a Gaelic Football Exhibition and 2~day Festival. Cm. Lockhart asked about the possibility of using the Dublin High School field. Ms. Lowart explained they have closed their fields because of the wet conditions. Staff doesn't see a big problem with the Sports Grounds. We have about 10 bleachers which can accommodate about 100 people each. Kelly Robinson, Event Coordinator with GoodTimes Promotions gave an update of the plans for the 2~day festival. GoodTimes Promotions is having a really exciting time working on this. People are having a very positive reaction. City Staff has been outstanding and really risen to the challenge of working with a professional promoter. They have advertised this as a rain or shine event. They are also pleased and thrilled with the support they've gotten from the property owners on Regional Street. Merchants will be able to take advantage of this event to expose their businesses. They have received a lot of advertising sponsorships and in~kind donations. Dublin Ranch donated some dollars that weren't included in the Staff Report. The band, Shanachie was offered oodles and oodles of money to fly to another country to play on Sunday, so they will be playing at our celebration only on Saturday. They are very popular. As of today there are 86 crafts booths. They will reach their goal of 100 and 50 commercial booths. This event will have a great array of choices for shopping. They will be putting together a fine arts walkway. All of the booths will be back to back on Regional Street. She discussed the role of non-profit groups in the festival. Cm. Burton asked how many people they anticipate. Ms. Robinson responded that with sunshine, they expect 20,000 people. If it rains, 20,000 people; all under the tent. Cm. Burton commented in the past we overplayed it and a lot of people in the arts and crafts area never came back. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUI'4E 17 REGULAR NIEETING February 17, 19?8 PAGE 67 Ms. Robinson stated they have a good reputation in the field and they certainly wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardize this. They have been trying to get the hairy legs contest going again. Cm. Lockhart asked if they still need more volunteers. Ms. Robinson stated they can always use more volunteers. They have enough right now that can pull this off, but more is always appreciated. This could be groups or individuals. Her office number is (510) 803~4050 and the event hotline number is (510) 835~6629. She showed a sample of the T~shirt with logo which will be available in limited quantities for sale at the celebration for $10. Mayor Houston asked about advertising on the Valley Nissan sign. Staff advised that it is currently running and has been for the last couple of days. A1 Hunter, Dublin Lions Club, discussed the parade. They have contacted every group they can think of as far as floats. We will have 3 awards; the Mayor's award sponsored by the Lions Club, a Spirit Award (with a story behind it) to be presented by the representatives from Bray, Ireland. The Chamber of Commerce has approached him to sponsor another award. Right now there are $ bands lined up and hopefully, the Camp Parks Band will be there too. Their goal is to get 5 bands. Cm. Burton stated the 91 st Division Band has about 9 pipers. He suggested we use outsiders for judges. Mayor Houston stated he was willing to make the decision. Mr. Hunter stated he thought the floats would send a message for next year. Mayor Houston asked where the bleachers would be set up. Mr. Hunter stated they are running into a problem with conflicts of landscaping along Amador Valley Boulevard. They are working on resolving this. They may have to use one of the driveways. Ms. Ix>wart stated Public Works and Police will go out within the next few days and this information will be included on the hotline. CITY COUNCIL I'41NUTES VOLUME 1 7 REGULAR MEETING February PAGE 68 The next meeting of the St. Patrick's Committee is Thursday night at 7 p.m., here at the Civic Center. T~shirts will be available for purchase for $10 each at the City's booth and the Youth Advisory Committee will be selling them along the parade route. The Council thanked Staff for the report. DOWNTOWN STUDY TASK FORCE INTERIM REPORT AND FARMERS' MARKET PRELIMINARY STUDY 9:04 p.m. $.1 (470~50) Economic Development Manager Reuel presented the Staff Report and advised that the 27 member Downtown Study Task Force has met 6 times since formation last October, and has developed and prioritized a number of issues and concerns related to the downtown area. The Task force will provide input for the preparation of an economic vitality plan for the downtown area with both short and long term goals. Staff has presented information on several topics to the Task Force, including: 1) list of property owners of downtown and % of ownership; 2) report on development activities in downtown area; 3) information on AB 1693; 4) information on East Dublin development activities; 5) presentation of 1987 Downtown Specific Plan; 6) Farmers Market Report; and 7) report on possible interim uses of West Dublin BART parking lot. Bret Jensen was appointed Chair. Cm. Lockhart is the City Council representative and Tony Oravetz is the representative for the Planning Commission. Mayor Houston asked about Exhibit 2 and when this survey was taken. Mr. Reuel stated they go into different work groups and this survey was taken at about the third meeting. There has been an educational evolution to this process. Cm. Lockhart stated most people who volunteered for this had some ideas on what they wanted to see the City work on. Everyone on the committee is broadening their perspective as people learn more about the rest of the community. This was an early picture of where people were when they got there. Senior Planner Cirelli stated one of the Task Force's short~term concepts for improving and enhancing the downtown is establishing a downtown farmers' market. The Task Force strongly believes that this concept deserves immediate CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 1 7 REGULAR MEETING February 17, 1998 PAGE 69 attention by the City Council because it would have a positive impact of bringing public awareness and attracting people to downtown Dublin businesses. The Task Force would still work on the short and long~term goals and programs that would become part of the downtown economic vitality plan while the farmers' market concept was being implemented. The Task Force identified 9 potential sites for a farmers' market, including: 1) Mervyn's/Payless Shopping Center Parking Lot; 2) Shamrock Village Shopping Center Parking Lot; 3) Montgomery Ward/Target Shopping Center Parking Lot; 4) Automatic Rain Company Parking Lot; 5) the Plumbery Parking Lot; 6) Dordan Way; 7) Regional Street; 8) Village Parkway (close half of street ~ other half would be used for 2~way traffic); and 9) vacant property at end of Golden Gate Drive (larger BART property west of Golden Gate Drive). Ms. Cirelli advised that Staff would need to conduct extensive research before the Council decides to establish a farmers' market. For example, Staff would need to prepare a farmers' market feasibility study that would include cost estimates for establishing and operating a farmers' market. As part of the feasibility study, Staff will need to determine the best location for the market. Part of this research would involve: 1) talking with major retailers and asking if they would sponsor a farmers' market on their site; g) asking existing Dublin businesses how they feel about having a farmers' market in the downtown area; and 3) analyzing the costs for operating a market at a particular site (i,e., there may be a need for additional City services such as police). In summary, Staff explained that a farmers' market feasibility study would include: 1) a farmers' market operational analysis; 2) a tentative commencement schedule for the market; 3) a site analysis describing the pros and cons of operating a farmers' market at certain locations; and 4) a cost analysis for establishing and operating a farmers' market. Cm. Barnes asked questions about parking at the Plumbery. She liked the idea of it being near the Heritage Center. Cm. Burton felt maybe Donlan Way would be somewhat out of the way in getting people to shop and being in the center of things. This is not too convenient for BART either. Cm. Lockhart expressed concern that we are not involving professionals who put on farmers' markets. Even to get an opinion early on and save Staff time might limit what we are looking at. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 17 REGULAR MEETING February 17, 1998 PAGE 70 Ms. Cirelli stated this is probably how they likely would proceed. Cm. Barnes asked if the markets in Pleasanton and Danville are nm by the same people. Staff responded yes and they are very interested in Dublin. Mayor Houston liked the comment about getting professionals in early on to get some cursory information. In the short term, the BART lot is not paved, but visibility is good and this could help toward the success of the market. In the short term, it is very muddy out there. They may offer a couple of alternatives. Changing locations is probably not the best thing. Cm. Lockhart felt what we really want is to bring people to Dublin so they can see what's available. We may need to really push this and do a lot of advertising. We're doing this not just for the sake of selling fruits and flowers, but for the exposure of Dublin. The Council asked if this could be moved forward from 10 weeks. Mr. AmbrOse pointed out Mr. Reuel has some other high priority goals that he's currently working on and he felt this timeline was appropriate. There is quite an amount of Staff analysis that will have to be done. The Council asked if a report could be brought back in a month w/th the status and evaluation. Bret Jensen, Chairman of the Task Force thanked the other members of this committee. What they need to focus in on with regard to the issues are what are important to various people. Off~ramps are of first and foremost importance. It is important to create a strong forward momentum. It will be hard to get shopping center owners to use parking for other retail. We could look at a Park & Ride lot at the BART parking lot. This could serve a dual purpose. People could stop and shop on their way to and from the lot. He discussed landscaping of centers. His company owns the Ross/Michaels/Orchard Supply Center. Convenience is key and the off~ramps will be a huge positive. Tony Oravetz stated he strongly supported the comments about using the BART lot for Park & Ride. He urged the City Council to help the City Manager reset priorities of Staff and to move the farmers' market forward. He knows City Staff CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 1 7 REGULAR MEETING l~ebruary ~ 7, ~ 998 PAGE 7i is very much over subscribed. He felt the farmers' market will be one of many ideas that will be brought before the City Council. George Zika stated he did not know what's on StaWs plate, but he would really like to see this get started. This is a very active and vocal task force and if the City Council wants to keep it going, they must give them a cookie. We can shortcut some of the process by getting a picture of what it costs to close the streets on St. Patrick's day. We should use other people!s expertise. We've got to show that this task force is accomplishing something for the .City and if we could move it up in priority, they would be very grateful. Mayor Houston assured everyone that the City Council is very interested and impressed. On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Lockhart, and by unanimous vote, the Council conceptually approved the farmers' market concept for the downtown area and directed Staff to come back in $0 days with an interim report on the work in progress for City Council evaluation at that time. Staff will ultimately return with a farmers' market feasibility study and a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for final approval. With this information, the City Council would then determine whether or not to proceed with the establishment of a farmers' market in Dublin and proceed with the RFP. RAMP METERING ON I~ 580 9:47 p.m. 8.2 (800~$0) Public Works Director Thompson presented the Staff Report and reported that Caltrans is proposing to activate metering lights on two on-ramps to eastbound 1- 580. Activation of the lights will encourage drivers to not use City surface streets and also aid in alleviating freeway congestion. Caltrans will monitor the ramp metering and ff back-ups occur on City streets, Caltrans will change the timing to reduce queuing. Ray Ovaici with Caltrans was present to answer any questions. Cm. Burton stated he felt we are going to accommodate commuters on the freeway and back up our own streets. This bothered him in that we are at the end of the line. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLU]'4E '[ 7 REGULAR I~'IEETING February 17, ~ ~98 PAGE 72 Mr. Thompson stated we are trying to keep them on the freeway. The biggest impact will probably be at Tassajara Road. Mr. Ovaici stated the problem now is people diverting from the freeway. Metering will discourage people from diverting and we can control the queue at the on~ramp so as not to back up onto the streets. Mayor Houston asked his position with Caltrans. Mr. Ovaici stated he is Project Manager and his boss Jim McCrank is in charge of the whole San Francisco Bay Area. His project is 580, starting with Livermore. This metering will affect Pleasanton more than Dublin because they have more traffic. Mayor Houston discussed the earlier action taken by the City Council approving the Measure B sales tax extension which will include widening I~ 580. Reportedly, data shows that in the last 2 years, I~ 580 accidents have increased by about 75%. Cm. Burton asked for an explanation as to how the metering lights work. Mr. Ovaici stated they have information and use this to preset the metering lights to the demand. On motion of Cm. Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Burton, and by unanimous vote, the Council indicated their support for the project and directed Staff to notify Caltrans. OTHER BUSINESS 10:01 p.m. Meeting Cancelled (61 O~ 1 O) Mr. Ambrose reported that there currently is no PeopleSofi/City Council/ Planning Commission joint meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m., on March 3. It is not necessary at this time. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 1 7 REGULAR MEETING February 1 7, 1998 PAGE 73 Minor Home Repair Program (450~ 10) Mr. Ambrose advised that copies had been distributed of the Minor Home Repair program as requested by the City Council. This report is for the time period October 1 through December $1. Cm. Burton questioned why there were so many zeros on the report. Mr. Ambrose stated he will check on this. He thought perhaps the County had blanked out some of the confidential information. Citizen/Organization of the Year (610~ 50) Mr. Ambrose reported that tomorrow at 4:00 p.m., is the deadline for the Citizen and Organization of the Year nominations. Joint Team Building Study Session (610~ 10) Mr. Ambrose reminded the Council of the special study session joint meeting to be held this coming Saturday, February 21. Cm. Lockhavt stated she appreciated the packets on the special meeting. This is very helpful. Library Task Force (940~60) Mr. Ambrose advised that the Library Task Force will not be meeting this month. Congestion Management Authority (1060~40) Cm. Lockhart stated she saw this week a copy of the Congestion Management Authority's priority list. This was interesting and she requested feedback and comments from the City's representative. C~TY COUNCIL I~I[NUTES VOLUME 17 REGULAR MEETING February ~ 7, t 998 PAGE 74 Cm. Burton stated the list has been massaged for years. Area 4 (Tri-Valley), approved the priorities after discussion. This is a horsepower thing on vote weight. Everything was more or less agreed to for Area 4. This is a finished product and it now goes to Alameda County Transportation Authority. Cm. Lock_hart commented it seemed all roads end with the Alameda County Transportation Authority. Dublin Pride Week (150-80) Cm. Lockhart reminded everyone that Dublin Pride Week is right after St. Patrick's Day and the "Make a Difference in Dublin" projects are coming up. Anyone will be recognized who comes up with a concept or idea about making a difference in Dublin. Volunteers Needed to Assist DPIE (950~40) Cm. Lockhart stated if there are any people who want to volunteer at the St. Patrick's Celebration, Dublin Partners in Education (DPIE) is going to have one of the soft drink booths and they need volunteers both Saturday and Sunday. People may call the School District office and ask for Rhonda Goldstone. Chamber of Commerce (130- 30) Cm. Lockhart reported that the Chamber business fair is February 26th. This is always a fun time. Cm. Lockhart stated she also had received a letter from the Dublin Chamber President regarding "Discover Dublin" banners. She supported working With the Chamber and the businesses to make everyone happy. She thanked them for getting involved. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 1 7 REGULAR I'4EETING February t 7, ~ ?98 PAGE 75 Recycling Programs (810~60) Cm. Barnes stated as the City's representative on the Alameda County Waste Management Authority, she would report on the progress of meeting goals related to the required 25% reduction in County landfill diversion. By 2000 we have to be at 50% and then in 2010 at 75%. As of 1996 (reported on February 2, 1998), Dublin's diversion rate was 26.4%. A lot of other cities around us were up in the 50's already. We need to be aware. She asked that representatives to the School District Liaison Committee find out what seems to be an obstacle. She also asked residents about obstacles. She stated her number is listed in the book and her e~mail address is Valway@juno.com. It appears that we're not active in construction and demolition recycling. Mr. Rankin advised that in January of 1996 we started greenwaste diversion. The figures quoted is the waste stream in total. Everything that goes into the landfill counts, presuming that their method of counting is correct. Cm. Barnes felt every little recyclable that we put in the garbage hurts us. Cm. Barnes reported on a wonderful program in Illinois whereby they award $1,000 to a resident drawn at random if they find not one thing in their garbage that's recyclable. Cm. Burton reported on a situation where the bins were dumped into the same truck. Cm. Lockhart stated we have a Youth Commission and they are really into recycling and maybe they could look at this and come back with ideas. Gasoline Prices in Dublin (390-80) Cm. Barnes stated in answer to a letter to the editor we were chastised about gasoline prices. She stated she wished we could do something about this. It is really annoying to drive to other areas to fill up because it is cheaper. Why are we paying so much more for gas? CiTY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 17 REGULAR MEETING February ~ 7~ 19?8 PAGE 76 Sign Regulations (400~$0) Mayor Houston asked if there is any rules that affect people waving signs on the weekends promoting their businesses off site. Every single weekend this gets really tacky. He did not feel it is effective. This doesn't help our City. Mr. Ambrose stated Staff will look into this. ADJOURNMENT 11.1 There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:22 p.m. ~' Mayor ATrEST~ ~_-~ CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 1 7 REGULAR MEETING February PAGE 77.