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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-19-2002 Adopted CC Minutes REGULAR MEETING- November 19, 2002 CLOSED SESSION A closed session was held at 6:30 p.m. regarding: f. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION- Government Code Section 54956.9 subdivision(a) Name of Case: City of Dublin v. Dublin Land Co., Alameda Superior Court No. V-O18fO0-2 2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR (Government Code Section 54957'.6) - City Negotiators: Mayor Lockhart and Cm. Sbranti- Unrepresented Employee: City Manager A regular meeting of the Dublin City Council was held on Tuesday, November 19, 2002, in the Council Chambers of the Dublin Civic Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m., by Mayor Lockhart. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers McCormick, Oravetz, Sbranti, Zika and Mayor Lockhart. ABSENT: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MayOr Lockhart led the Council~ Staff and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTION Mayor Lockhart stated there was nothing to report. PRESENTATION 7:06 p.m. 3.1 (610-50) Stacey WeIls~ East Bay Regional Representative of the League of California CRies presented a plaque and pin to Cm. Zika in recognition of his completion of the Basic Level of the Leasue's Mayors and Councilmembers Academy. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 560 The League represents 477 cities in the State. Ms. Wells advised that there are actually 2 graduates from Dublin. Mayor Lockhart also completed the educational academy, and she was recognized at the annual League Conference which was held in Long Beach in October. PRESENTATION BY BUILDING DIVISION ON CURRENT DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY 7:08 p.m. 3.2 (420-10) Community Development Director Eddie Peabody and Mike Baker, Senior Building Inspector made a presentation related to current development within the City. The Building Division has performed over 2,000 plan reviews, issued over 2,700 permits, and completed over 33,000 inspections since January 1,2001. Since January 2001, 518 single-family dwellings have started construction and 659 single-family dwellings have been finaled. The newest multi-family projects are the four new subdivisions in Area G of Dublin Ranch. To date, the City has issued 207 permits for multi-family units in this area. Toll Brothers currently has the models for the Cottages, courtyards, Villas, and the Terraces under construction with a total of 1,396 units when the projects are complete. All of these units are "for sale" units, including 105 affordable units. Inspections and plan checks are occurring for two apartment projects which are under construction: Archstone, which has 177 units and Waterford, which has $90 units. Since January 2001, the City has issued permits for the construction of 774 new multi- family units and has finaled 123 units. New commercial projects that are in review for building permits are the Corrie Center on Dublin Boulevard, the E1 Monte RV on Scarlett Court and the Armstrong Garden Center on San Ramon Road. The City Council thanked Staff for the presentation. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 561 ITEM ADDED TO AGENDA 7:18 p.m. (600-30) Murray Schoolhouse Bell Tower Project Mayor Lockhart stated Staff had informed her of a request for a change order for the Murray Schoolhouse Bell Tower project after the agenda for this meeting was posted and consideration of the request at the next regular meeting will delay the project. Therefore, pursuant to GC Section 54954.2, subdivision (b)(2), Mayor Lockhart requested that the Council add Item 7.3 to the agenda entitled "Murray Schoolhouse Bell Tower Project" and find: 1) there is a need to take immediate action to consider approval of a budget change to the Murray Schoolhouse Bell Tower project; 2) that the need for action came to the attention of the Council after the agenda was posted for this meeting; and 3) that it is necessary to add this item to the agenda tonight to consider approval of the budget change to keep the project on schedule. On motion of Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by unanimous vote, the Council agreed to add Item 7.3 to the agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR 7:20 p.m. Items 4.1 through 4.9 Cm. Zika pulled Item 4.2. Tony Casadonte, Oak Bluff Lane, pulled Item 4.3. On motion of Cm. Zika, seconded by Cm. Oravetz, and by unanimous vote, the Council took the following actions: Approved (4.1) Minutes of Regular Meeting of November 5, 2002; Adopted (4.4 600-50) RESOLUTION NO. 207- 02 APPROVING FREEWAY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH CALTRANS FOR MAINTENANCE OF FREEWAY LANDSCAPING ALONG 1-580 (FRONTAGE OF KOLL CENTER) CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 562 Received (4.5 $$0-50) Preliminary Financial Reports for the Month of October 2002; Adopted (4.6 700-20) RESOLUTION NO. 208- 02 AMENDING THE CLASSIFICATION PLAN (CITY ENGINEER) and RESOLUTION NO. 209- 02 AMENDING THE SALARY PLAN (CITY ENGINEER) and RESOLUTION NO. 210- 02 AMENDING THE BENEFIT PLAN (CITY ENGINEER) and RESOLUTION NO. 211 -02 AMENDING THE MANAGEMENT POSITIONS EXEMPT FROM COMPETITIVE SERVICE (CITY ENGINEER) Adopted (4.7 (100- 35) RESOLUTION NO. 212- 02 ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR THE REPAIR OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS DEEMED TO BE PEDESTRIAN HAZARDS (CITY-FUNDED REPAIR PROGRAM) and authorized Staff to advertise Contract 02-16 2002-03 Annual Sidewalk Safety Repair Program for bids; CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME ~. 1 REGULAR MEETING November 1 9, 2002 PAGE 563 Supported (4.8 1030-70) Federal Appropriation for a Reconnaissance Study for Improvements to the Arroyo de la Laguna Channel and authorized the Mayor to sign a letter on behalf of the City Council to Senator Feinstein, who is a member of the Federal Appropriations Committee; Approved (4.9 300-40) the Warrant Register in the amount of $3,3977632.92. Cm. McCormick pulled Item 4.2 regarding awarding the bid for the Fuel Tank Upgrade, and commented on the ch'screpancy in the bid amounts. Public Works Director Lee Thompson stated they questioned this and the contractor looked to see if they made any mistakes. We have their bid bonds. Assistant City ManagerJoni ?attillo advised that the City's construction group also looked at the bid and met with them. Cm. Sbranti asked if we have any comparable information about this from other jurisdictions. Mr. Thompson stated this is somewhat unique. They are reputable. On motion of Cm. McCormick, seconded by Cm. Oravetz, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted (4.2 600-35) RESOLO?ION NO. 213- 02 CiViC CENTER FUEL TANK UPGRADE PHASE 2 TO DCM CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICES ($17,758) Tony Casadonte: Oak Bluff £ane, ?resident of the Dublin Ranch Homeowners Association, requested that Item 4.3 related to the park artwork be pulled. He brought to the Council's attention that they hoped this would be something that would bring them all togethe~ but it caused difficul(y up in their area. Many residents were opposed to it. They had the arts staff come out and talk to them. The process that was used was questioned Many felt the development wasn't very mature and they had an artwork project that ch'dn't have community input. He suggested that as we look at future projects~ allow the developments to mature to a point where you get communiOz input and which will have resident's support. Mayor Lockha~ stated we also heard from manypeople who really love it. She stated she understood the issue~ and thanked him for his comments. CITY COUNCIL MINI_YI'ES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November ! 9, 2002 PAGE 564 On motion of Cm. McCormick, seconded by Cm. Sbranti, and by unanimous vote, the Council authorized (4.3 600-30) the Mayor to execute a Transfer Agreement for Ted Fairfield Park Artwork, "Birdwatch". PUBLIC HEARING - SPEED LIMIT CHANGE ON DUBLIN BOULEVARD (HACIENDA DRIVE TO TASSAJARA ROAD) 7:24 p.m. 6.1 (590-20) Mayor Lockhart opened the public hearing. Public Works Director Lee Thompson presented the Staff Report and advised that Engineering Studies indicate that the speed limit on Dublin Boulevard between Hacienda Drive and Tassajara Road should be reduced from 50 mph to 45 mph. An Ordinance, which would make this change, was introduced at the last City Cotmcfl meeting. Cm. Oravetz asked ff anybody had called since the last meeting. Mr. Thompson replied no. No testimony was entered by any member of the public relative to this issue. Mayor Lockhart closed the public hearing. On motion of Cm. Zika, seconded by Cm. Sbranti, and by unanimous vote, the Council waived the reading and adopted ORDINANCE NO. 19- 02 ESTABLISHING SPEED LIMIT (45 MPH) ON DUBLIN BOULEVARD BETWEEN HACIENDA DRIVE AND TASSAJARA ROAD PUBLIC HEARING AMENDMENT TO PUBLIC FACILITIES FEE 7:£6 p.m. 6.2 (390-20) Mayor Lockhart opened the public hearing. Parks & Community Services Director Diane Lowart presented the Staff Report and advised that this item is a public hearing for consideration of proposed increases to the Public Facilities Fee. The increases range from 25%-30% for residential development and 23% for non-residential development. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 565 Cm. Zika asked Staff to address the concern from the Home Builders Association regarding household size and number of occupants. A faxed Memorandum was received yesterday from Phil Serna. The Memorandum stated, in part: "As Imentiened this morninx~ it has come to my attention that the City's current development fee proposal incorporates erroneous household size mulE'pliers. In an effor~ to document and explain the error~ IYe sent herewith the above referenced items for your consideration prior to tomorrow evening's Ci& Council meeting. You 71recall that the Council is scheduled to formally consider the fee adjustment at that lime. The HBA 's concern stems from the apparent discrepancy between the household size referenced in the Ci&'s current fee study, and that concluded by the most recent US Census. According to the fee study, Dublin's single family residential household size is 3.30 l~rSOnS per household~ while that for mul~ifamily residential is listed at 3.00 persons per household The 3000 US Census, however, shows the Ci&'s owner-occupied (single family) residenlial units have an average household size of 3. 80persons, while renter- occupied units (mullifamily) average 3.3 7persons each. The HBA maintains that the most accurate information prodded by the US Census should be used to accurately, and equitably adjust the Ci&'s development fees." Ms. Lowart stated they suggested we look at our numbers and revise in accordance with the census. Our figures are in conformance with the General Plan (GP). City Attorney Silver s~ated section !.8.1 describes different land use classifications and assumes household sizes and is based on data contained in the 1990 housing element. Once the housing element is adopted, based on the data in the new housing element it will be appropriate to look at the assumptions in the General Plan to see if the figures are still appropriate. If not, the GP can be revised. It is anticipated that the new housing element will be adopted in the spring. Owner/renter occupied units are not the same. Mr. Ambrose stated one other item which came out of the census is if you took all the households in the City and think since the time of the last census, the mix has changed considerably. We have built a lot more multi-family, but we charge on the type of unit we build. This should be taken into consideration. Cm. Sbranti pointed out the single family went down and then up on the multi-family. Ms. Silver stated the correlation is not clear in their letter. Cm. Sbranti stated once we approve the housing element, the data will be relooked at. Mayor Lockhart clarified that we will not make a change until we have an adopted housing element. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 566 Elpi Abulencia, Linden Street, submitted a statement which was read by Mayor Lockhart: "Whal specifically are the proposed increases for resideno'al and non-residenb'aI fees and does the Cip have a document staIin$ the sources of funds and applications of funds?" Mayor Lockhart closed the public hearing. On motion of Cm. Sbranti, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. 214- 02 REVISING THE PUBLIC FACILITIES FEE FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF DUBLIN PUBLIC HEARING - TRANSIT VILLAGE CENTER PLANNING AREA SUBMITTED BY THE ALAMEDA COUNTY SURPLUS PROPERTY AUTHORITY TO CONSIDER AN AMENDMENT TO THE GENERAL PLAN, AMENDMENT TO THE EASTERN DUBLIN SPECIHC PLAN, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (I'D) REZONE/STAGE 1 DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DUBLIN TRANSIT VILLAGE CENTER PLANNING AREA AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT PA 00~015 7:42 p.m. 6.3 (420-30) Mayor Lockhart opened the public hearing. Planning Consultant Michael Porto presented the Staff Report and advised that this item is for City Council review of the proposed development of a 91-acre mixed use Transit Village, including High Density Residential, Campus Office, Neighborhood Park, Neighborhood Commercial and uses supportive of transit oriented development. This has been about 2 years in the making. The subject property is referred to as the Transit Village Center Planning Area. The Apphcant is the alameda county Surplus Property Authority (ACSPA), as the primary owner, in cooperation with the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). Until several years ago, the area was owned by the U. S. Army as part of the Camp Parks Reserve forces Training Area (Parks RFrA), but came under ownership of the ACSPA as a result of several land exchanges. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 567 The Dublin Transit Village Center Planning Area is proposed as a new neighborhood of mixed uses arranged around a village green, a series of open space corridors, and plazas connecting to the entrance of the East Dublin/pleasanton BART Station. The project is anticipated to include approximately 1,500 high~density residential units and approximately 2 million square feet of campus office ranging in height from 8 to 10 stories. Ground floors of both the residential and campus office developments are proposed to include ancillary retail for providing convenient goods and services to residents, workers and rail commuters. Up to 24% of this campus office space is "flex" space, meaning that it may be replaced with up to 300 additional residential units or a combination of housing and hotel uses depending upon the market and developer interest. A key element of the proposed plan is the BART station and reconfiguration of the parking. Currently surface parking spaces total approximately 1,326 spaces. Parking and access to this station also is provided in surface lots south of I~ 580 within the City of Pleasanton. The most significant change resulting from the requested approvals would be the construction of an above~grade parking structure of approximately 1,700 spaces to replace the existing surface parking. Also important to the layout of this Planning Area are the proposed street and circulation improvements and recreational components to include a new neighborhood park and access to the Iron Horse Trail greenbeR which has been improved with pedestrian and bicycle corridors. Mr. Porto discussed: General Plan Amendment; Addition to the Eastern Extended Planning Area; Land uses; Allowance of Ancillary Uses; Flex uses on Sites D~ 1 and E- 1; Structured parking for High~Density Housing; amendment to Eastern Dublin Specific Plan; PD Rezone/Stage 1 Development Plan; Applicability of the Eastern Dublin Specific Plan; Permitted uses; Affordable/Inclusionary Housing; Traffic Impact Fee Area; Public Realm; Eastern Dublin Traffic Impact Fee Area; and the Environmental Review. The City's Zoning Ordinance requires Stage 1 Development Plans to include an Affordable or Inclusionary Housing component. The ACSPA has stated that Transit Center housing will be more affordable by virtue of its proximity to a major multi~modal transit hub. To assist in meeting the State requirements for providing very low, low, and moderate income housing, the ACSPA is proposing that 15% of the units in the Dublin Transit Village Center be available as affordable. The Planning Commission, on October 22, 2002, considered the EIR, the GPA, Eastern Dublin SPA, a Stage 1 PD Planned Development Rezone and a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide a portion of the property. The Planning Commission unanimously CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 568 recommended to the City Council certification of the EIR, adoption of the GP and SP amendments, approval of the Stage 1 PD Planned Development Rezone and approved the Tentative Parcel Map contingent upon Council approval of the companion applications. Adolph Martinelli, Alameda County Surplus Property Authority, stated he was pleased and proud to be here tonight to represent the transit center plan. Back in 1990, in order to develop the East Dublin Specific Plan, they went to Congress and were able to acquire a portion of this property and to allow BART to open in 1996. They approached the City and wanted to move forward with planning this property. They went through the long process of referendum and time passed and they are now back. They feel they've developed a very aggressive and public part of this plan. They are very proud of it. This will connect the western and eastern areas. They feel their plan is unique in the Bay Area as pedestrian friendly transit oriented. Mr. Martinelli stated John Reynolds with BART, Pat Cashman and Stuart Cook were all present to answer any questions. Ed Church, East Bay Community Foundation spoke in favor of this plan and stated the Foundation's purpose in making recommendations is to promote "smart growth," which facilitates development closer to jobs and transit, increases the affordable housing stock and creates vibrant, livable communities which are attractive additions to cities throughout the region. Several recommendations were made, including: 1) Devote more office land to housing; 2) Increase the retail and sharpen its focus; and $) Improve the urban design for better walkability. None of their recommendations are "either/or" propositions; they require thoughtful and expert balancing now and as the project is phased in. Retaining additional consultants in state-of-the-art urban design who can work with staff, developer and Council is their keystone recommendation. The East Bay Community Foundation stands ready to help fund the work of outside consultants. They can also supply a list of such consultants to City staff and elected officials for the potential selection of appropriate firms or individuals. Tony Casadonte, Oak Bluff Lane stated he was not clear on understanding how much land and what kind of use the facilities are designated for. Pat Cashman, Alameda County Surplus Property Authority (ACSPA) stated while he respects what the East Bay Community Foundation has come forward with, they are actually about 2 years too late in the process. This plan addresses the details of the market and they developed flex areas. Their project will begin with residential and 1500 units probably completed within the next 2 years and they will then look at the flex areas. By this time, they will be 4 or 5 years looking at office opportunity. He doesn't believe the plan should be developed just by opportunity today, but developed with a jobs/transit/housing balance. This is the only place in Dublin where this type of office can develop. This is the place where a significant amount of office work space CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 569 should develop. While he respects their recommendation, he requested that the City Council approve this plan. They will be open minded to flex uses, but now is not the time to change this plan. There will be opportunities as they come forward with details of the plan. Details will come forward in the near future, perhaps next month. Mayor Lockhart asked for comments on analysis for retail mix and questioned what made them settle on this? Mr. Cashman stated the retail is there, despite no market for it and you cannot demonstrate the need from BART riders and 1500 units doesn't support very much retail. Unless the office or both sides of the street gets going, retail isn't immediately viable. R will be hard to make the retail viable in the beginning. They do a lot of studies before they put things out in the market. They intend to put it in incrementally, in little pieces. They are not trying to make this a big splash retail center. Mr. Cashman commented there will be two kinds of park space. One will be open to the public and fully accessible to everyone. A larger park will be an 8.5 acre neighborhood park in somewhat of a high profile location. Mr. Cashman stated the project requires a master development agreement. They hope to be before the City Council with detailed agreement, with public art, timing of infrastructure and what is required and also to deal with the BART garage. There are a number of issues to be dealt with later. Cm. Sbranti asked what studies, input or data they used to provide 1,500 units and what factors for the 2 million square feet of office? Mr. Cashman stated once they determined the balance of land use, half residential half office, they then asked what is an appropriate density given BART and then asked what could infrastructure support in the area. They then came up with what they felt could be supported. Next, they looked at the appropriate area for density. Two years ago, they had deals with Cisco, Oracle and Sun. The world changed economically. He stated they are committed to 15% office. Cm. Zika stated when this builds out, we will have a problem with parking. He assumed future projects will deal with this? Mr. Cashman stated the EIR looked at this and requires all parking to be controlled. Metered parking usually makes money, as well as parking tickets. He stated they will do their best to create a Rockridge type market environment, and to get some really attractive retail there. They hope it becomes a College Avenue type environment. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November ] 9, 2002 PAGE 570 Cm. Sbranti stated while he realizes the focus of retail will be for transit residents, the general population will most likely want to take advantage of shopping opportunities. Mr. Cashman stated ff you get 3 or 4 restaurants along the street, it will work. Cm. Sbranti asked about parking for people in the community who want to take advantage of the restaurants. Mr. Cashman stated the developers all got conservative last year with the retailers and provided parking behind the retail. There will be 300 curbside parking spaces in the neighborhood. Cm. McCormick asked on the flex zoning, when does it financially fall apart if the office space doesn't materialize? Mr. Cashman responded it isn't a question of today's value; it will take 3 or 4 years to get to a point where you might have to choose. R is prudent to have a mix of uses. Specific uses may dry up. Cm. McCormick asked about the formula for affordable housing. Would a hotel go in place of an office? Since the office situation is so dicey, why not flex zone all of this? Mr. Cashman stated with regard to timing implications, he did not feel they can do this tonight. They will not be doing anything on the specific two sites for a long time. Mayor Lockhart asked if they are interested in doing the affordable housing fairly soon. Mr. Cashman stated yes, they hope to have a development underway with 112 units on a 2~acre site at the same time as they go forward with the market. They are committed to do everything they can to get this project underway. Cm. McCormick asked about the RFP and the responses they are getting. Mr. Cashman stated they usually would sit down with Mr. Ambrose and Mr. Peabody and share this. They are bound by some confidentiality stipulations. The zoning on this is very specific. Developers respond to this. Cm. McCormick asked about the possibility of shortening blocks to make it pedestrian friendly. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 571 Mr. Cashman responded they will work to break smaller blocks. There is another layer of pedestrian circulation that creates a more walkable environment. This will be addressed in stage 2. Of 1500 units, 225 units will be affordable and the City designates whether it is low, or moderately low. Mayor Lockhart closed the public hearing. Cm. Zika stated we made a commitment years ago that expansion would not cost existing citizens any money. How does flex pencil out? Is office positive or what? Mr. Ambrose stated the entire planning area should not have a detrimental fiscal impact on existing City, so we get into a more detailed look at uses proposed as part of stage 2 and analyzing the uses. Cm. Zika clarified that we make the determination on whether designations are residential or office some time in the future. How do we plan for parks needs in the meantime? Mr. Porto stated we have analyzed the area and oversized parkland to support the transit center. At time of the stage 2 and subsequent development agreement, we can deal with any discrepancy with parkland. The Village Green would not count toward the acreage requirement. Cm. Oravetz thanked Mr. Martinelli, Mr. Cashmann and Mr. Peabody for this smart growth. He stated he certainly supports this and is proud of this transit plan. Cm. Sbranti stated he plans to support the rezoning, but 2 million square feet of office, he felt is a high number. In a couple of years, the office market should be up and running. Sybase is 420,000 square feet of office. What we need to look at is the jobs/housing balance. Is 2 million a feasible number? This might be a bit high. Mayor Lockhart pointed out within the 2 million is some flex space. Cm. Sbranti stated he just wanted to go on record as a concern. Mayor Lockhart stated if you put a great deal of office space in and you replace it with houses, you go counter to jobs close to the transit center. This is something we have to consider in the balance. It is a valid point as we get into stage 2 to keep an eye on what we are developing and are we balancing and encouraging people to use public transit to get to a work center. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 572 Cm. Zika stated he felt the City is pretty $ood with jobs/housin$ balance. Cm. Sbranfi stated if you look at some of the flex zonin$ for housin$, then you set into a need for more park space. This will obviously have to pencil out for the County as well as for the City. As the process moves forward, this will be somethin$ to be looked at closely. Cm. Oravetz stated he felt we will be able to plan ahead and set the park space before buildin$ units. Mayor Lockhar~ discussed a cap of 8 to 10 stories. This will come with the final project. The comments made by Mr. Church are valid comments to keep in mind as we move forward with a valid project. These things can be planned into the development process. Cm. Sbranfi stated he likes the integration with the Iron Horse Parkwa3~ and the Village Green. Perhaps more integration with small scale office and a little more retail could be reviewed. Look at opportunities for small scale integration with housing and re~ail. Mayor Lockha~ stated she felt a trail system throughout this entire system will be important. On motion of Cm. Zika, seconded by Cm. Oravetz, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. 215- 02 CERTIFYING AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND ADOPTING RELATED MITIGATION FINDINGS, FINDINGS REGARDING ALTERNATIVES, A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS AND A MITIGATION MONITORING PLAN FOR THE DUBLIN TRANSIT CENTER PROJECT PA 00-013 and RESOLUTION NO. 216- 02 APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN AND EASTERN DUBLIN SPECIFIC PLAN FOR THE DUBLIN TRANSIT CENTER PROJECT PA 00-013 and waived the reading and INTRODUCED an Ordinance approving the l'D Rezoning and related Stage I Development Plan. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 573 RECESS 8:42 p.m. Mayor Lockhart called for a short recess. Thc meeting rcconvened at 8:52 p.m., with all Councilmembers present. PUBHC HEARING HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE PA 01-040 8:52 p.m. 6.4 (430-20) Mayor Lockhart opened the public hearing. Planning Manager Jeri Ram presented the Staff Report. The Housing Element is one of 7 required elements in a General Plan (GP). State Law requires that the Housing Element of the GP be updated every 5 years in accordance with the release of the Regional Housing Needs Determination from the State of California and the regional planning agency. There was a several year suspension of the state mandate to update housing elements during the 1990s, and as a result, Dublin's Housing Element was last updated in 1990. The Housing Element must include an assessment of current and projected housing needs; an inventory of land and public facilities for potential housing development and analysis of existing zoning and land use patterns; analysis of potential government and non-government constraints in creating housing opportunities for all income levels and current or proposed efforts to remove them; and an inventory of affordable housing units that are at risk of becoming market-rate units and what the City has done or can do to retain those affordable units. Additionally, the City must facilitate public participation by all segments of the community in the preparation of the Housing Element, including residents of all income levels and types of housing needs. Ms. Ram discussed the Public Input process. Changes suggested by the Housing Task Force and Planning Commission were made to the draft Housing Element. Ms. Ram discussed: Consistency with the other General Plan Elements; Process for Approval; and Environmental Review. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 574 In conclusion, the updated Housing Element of the GP complies with State requirements and sets forth the City of Dublin's goals, policies and programs for housing programs for the years 1999-2006. Jeff Goldman, Consultant from Parsons discussed the main points of the Housing Element. Mr. Goldman's assistant Jenny discussed the State Requirements to identify and analyze existing and projected housing needs, evaluate effectiveness of current goals and policies, adopt goals, policies, programs to preserve, improve and develop housing, and adopt a 5~year schedule. The State review process and the various steps were discussed. Mr. Goldman spoke about affordable housing for low and very low income households. The Housing Element is a document for all elements and segments of the community. Achievements were discussed. Some of the major achievements the City has made in providing affordable housing include: · The City approved 59 low and moderate~income housing units since 1990. · The Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program funded 48 housing rehabilitation projects since 1994. · The City approved an innovative Planned Development Zoning District structure that allows for modification of development standards for housing projects. · The City approved the West BART Specific Plan that includes high~density housing adjacent to the new planned BART station in downtown. · The City approved 105 moderate for sale units which are currently in the building permit process. · The City annexed more than 2,600 acres of land that will provide additional opportunities to create affordable housing. · The City was the first city in Alameda County to adopt the Waste Management Authority's model ordinance on the recycling of construction waste. · The City provided training in green building techniques to its planning and building staff. · The City accumulated (as of March 31, 2002) $6,513,623 in inclusionary housing funds since 1995 to facilitate affordable housing. · The City anticipates that approximately one million dollars from the City's General fund revenues will be available for affordable housing by the end of FY 2002~03. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November ] 9, 2002 PAGE 575 Six goals identified in the 2002 Goals, Policies and Programs: A) To provide adequate sites to meet the City housing needs B) To increase the availability of housing affordable to low and moderate income households C) To conserve the existing stock of affordable rental housing D) To preserve and increase the efficient use of the City's existing housing stock E) To promote equal housing opportunities for all Dublin residents F) To provide short-term shelter for individuals and families without affordable permanent housing. Mr. Goldman talked about proposed new programs, including: Implement the revised Inclusionary Housing Ordinance; Determine the feasibility of establishing a commercial linkage fee; Adopt a Dublin Transit Center plan; Evaluate the feasibility of establishing a shared-living program; Create and maintain a Housing Coordinator/Specialist staff position. Cm. Sbranti asked about the type of special program for larger families. Mr. Goldman stated the City would try to encourage larger units which would be suitable for larger families. Some thought should be given to larger families. Elpi Abulencia, Linden Street, congratulated Jeri Ram for handling this report. He complimented her and then pointed out the fact that there are some glitches. If you approve the report in concept and submit it to the State, he believes there is no such thing as a perfect report. He stated when he was a young, reckless editor, he dealt with many reports. He felt the report could be made better. Look at the Table of Contents. This should contain the appendices. Appendix A is not included. The sequence of contents strikes him as not cohesive enough. He offered suggestions of how the sequence could be better. The word introduction should be replaced by summary. The word table could be replaced by the word exhibit. He stated he would be happy to share with Jeri Ram the numbering system of the tables, based on his experience. We should have a quantified listing of achievements. Mayor Lockhart stated there is a formula we use in putting together the Housing Element. Ms. Ram explained that we followed the State's criteria and format. Cm. Zika explained that if we don't follow their format, we may risk losing some funding and face penalties. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 576 Mr. Abulencia continued with concerns about his understanding of the content of the document. He questioned what affordable housing actually is. Allison Brooks, East Bay Community Foundation, stated she served on the Dublin Housing Task Force and commended the hard work of staff and the consultant. The document reflects the intention of Dublin in providing housing for all income sectors within the community. She urged that we move forward. Cynthia Morse, Lake Drive, requested that the Council please do accept this and send it on. No one wants to go through this again. She stated she is a member of the Task Force and a resident of Dublin. One of the things in here is the spirit of affordability and making sure Dublin is a good place for everybody. She stated she commends this spirit and hopes it is carried through. In the next 5 years, we should see a lot happening in the community. Bruce Fiedler, Hemlock Street, stated he supports the housing draft element and commends the efforts of staff and consultants. He also commends participation and input of citizens on the task force who met over the past 10 months and their input is important in setting the tone. He is a provider of very affordable older housing in another city and an advocate for affordable housing in Dublin. What is our definition of affordable homing? It is sort of a slippery situation. He would suggest something more specific, such as say affordable housing would require only 30% of income of a household and suggested our goals look at half be to persons 80% of the very low and other half be 80% of the low income limits. He urged that we consider any numbers for affordable housing in this document as minimums not maximums, if it is approved by the State. Mayor Lockhart closed the public hearing. Mayor Lockhart read names of the Task Force members. Troy Bevilacqua, Andy Blauvelt, Allison Brooks, Bruce Fiedler, Susan Hagan, Kasie Hildenbrand, Linda Mandolini, Cynthia Morse, Jennifer Mosel, Adib Nassar, Kathleen Robinson, Tim Sbranti, George Zika, Jeri Ram and Julia Abdala. Cm. McCormick stated she felt this was a fine document. She learned a lot about our community and admires the work of the Task Force. She stated she believes the State will approve it. Cm Sbranti stated a lot of work went into this. One issue he broug, h[~v.w_as the concept of affordable by design. He was.~ure this needs to be~n the document. He had a meeting with Jefferson and Amador Lakes. There has been a big CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November ! 9, 2002 PAGE 577 increase in the number of units and also affordable units for sale. It will help if we have policies or encourage this type of development; smaller units. Ms. Ram referenced a program policy which encourages efficient use and stated this actually refers to granny units or a second home. Another policy encourages a mix of housing types. Mayor Lockhart asked why we can't just say "affordable by design"? Ms. Ram stated they could add this language "including affordable by design units". Cm. Oravetz thanked the Task Force. He agreed there is some really good stuff in here. He looked forward to having it approved. Cm. Zika thanked the Task Force for a very active group. He enjoyed it. They have another meeting. On motion of Cm. Zika, seconded by Cm. Sbranti, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted with ABD change RESOLUTION NO. 217- 02 APPROVING IN CONCEPT THE CITY OF DUBLIN DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENT AND DIRECTING STAFF TO SUBMIT THE DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENT TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR REVIEW PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS OF THE PARKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION AND THE HERITAGE & CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION; AND TO THE DUBLIN MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 2.12 - PLANNING COMMISSION 9:42 p.m. 6.5 (920~70/910~70/660~20) Mayor Lockhart opened the public hearing. Assistant City Manager Joni Pattillo presented the Staff Report. In accordance with Council direction, Staff has prepared the necessary documents to amend the Bylaws of the Parks & Community Services Commission, the Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission, and the Planning Commission with regard to term limits and attendance of the commissioners at meetings. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 578 The Council discussed and requested that the following amendments apply to all three Commissions: 1) Commissioners may serve a maximum of eight (8) years with two four (4) year terms 2) Commissioners must attend 75% of regular and special meetings in a 12-month period 3) The Secretaries to the Commissions shall provide the Mayor with a monthly attendance report and quarterly overview of attendance by Commission members 4) The Secretaries to the Commissions will notify the Mayor ff a Commission member is absent from (3) three consecutive meetings. The Commission member shall also be notified that they may be recommended for removal from the Commission. Staff is also recommending another clean~up amendment which clarifies and changes the term ending date from November to December. Ms. Pattillo discussed the Bylaws and Rules of Procedure for the Parks & Community Services Cormnission and the Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission. Because the Planning Commission terms of office and removal regulations are a part of the Dublin Municipal Code, modifications are made by Ordinance and require a public hearing. Ms. Pattillo discussed proposed changes to the DMC related to the Planning Commission. A new Section 2.12.020C is being proposed: ~'Planning Commissioners must attendat least 75% of regular and special Planning Commission mee~'ngs in any IX-month period Any Planning Commissioner who is absent from 35% or more mee~'ngs within a 13-month pe~od or is absent from three (3) consecutive Planning Commission meetings maybe removed from the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 3.13.020B of the A new Section 2.12.060 is being proposed: "Section 3.12.060 Term Limits. Noperson shall serve as a Plartning Commissioner for more than two (2) consecutive terms. As used herein, a person shall be considered to have served a "term~' of office as a Planning Commissioner if such a person has served as a Planning Commissioner for two (3)years plus one (I) day. ~' Ms. Pattillo summarized Staff's recommendations that the City Council: 1) adopt the Resolutions amending the Bylaws and Rules of Procedure for both the Parks & Community Services and Heritage & Cultural Arts Commissions; 2) direct the Secretary of the Planning Commission to put forth the Amendment to the Bylaws and Rules of Procedure of the Planning Commission as it relates to the reporting of attendance of the Commissioners to the Mayor; 3) conduct a public hearing on the amendments to DMC CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 579 Chapter 2.12 - Planning Commission; deliberate; waive the reading and INTRODUCE an Ordinance amending DMC Chapter 2.12 - Planning Commission. Elpi Abulencia, Linden Street, stated it sounds like attendance is a measure of performance. Is there a way to address performance? Mayor Lockhart stated their performance is based on providing input to the Commission. Judging someone's performance is very subjective. The most important part is that we need a minimum number of people present and to have a quorum so they must make sure ff they want that job that they be present at the meetings. Mayor Lockhart closed the public hearing. Cm. McCormick asked about the implications of possibly having 2-year terms. Cm. Oravetz pointed out the first 2 years are a learning curve. It could be disastrous to replace all 5 Commissioners every 2 years. Cm. Sbranti stated he felt a new Mayor could potentially replace all 17 people. Cm. McCormick asked if it would be appropriate for the Mayor to do some kind of review after 2 years. Cm. Zika stated it really is up to the Mayor, as the Mayor makes the appointments. Mayor Lockhart stated she felt if there was some compelling issue, it Could be brought before the Council for review. She stated she felt limiting the number of absences will help. Cm. McCormick stated a resident expressed to her a concern that they have a sense there is not a strong connection between the commissions and the City Council. She doesn't know exactly how to handle this. She asked if they get a copy of Council minutes in their packets? Staff advised that they do not. Cm. Sbranti talked about the process prior to having a directly elected Mayor. Each Councilmember had an individual appointment. As G&O time approaches, he stated they would like to establish a policy to meet with the commissions. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 580 Mayor Lockhart stated she likes the idea of having this around the time of Goals & Objectives. Actually, we could do this beforehand, so their ideas can be incorporated. Mr. Ambrose stated Staff will bring the format for the G&O before the City Council, and they can suggest the way they would like to see it structured. Cm. Sbranti stated he felt we should formally invite them and have them as part of the agenda. A representative from each board could give a report to the City Council and they could ask questions. Cm. Oravetz talked about a past meeting where they met jointly in the Regional Meeting Room and the group dynamics worked well. On motion of Cm. Oravetz, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. 218- 02 ADOPTING AMENDED BYLAWS AND RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE PARKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 178-02 and RESOLUTION NO. 219- 02 ADOPTING AMENDED BYLAWS AND RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR THE HERITAGE & CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 132-99 and waived the reading and INTRODUCED an Ordinance amending the Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 2.12 - Planning Commission. 2003 SPECIAL CLEAN-UP SCHEDULE 9:59 p.m. 7.1 (810-30) Administrative Analyst Jason Behrmann presented the Staff Report. Tentative dates established for the 2003 Special Clean-ups are the weeks of: March 31 - April 18 July 28 - August 15 October 27 - November 14 CITY COUNCIL MINLVFES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 581 After receiving schedule confirmation from the City, Waste Management will send notices to all residents in January informing them of the 2003 clean~up schedule. Reminder notices will also be sent 2~3 weeks prior to each clean~up. Cm. Sbranti stated a number of people told him they appreciated the opportunity when there were 4 clean-ups, even though they didn't necessarily use all four. In terms of the economics, he wasn't sure this would work. Mr. Behrmann stated in 1995 we went from 4 to 3 clean~ups. San Ramon also receives 3 and Livermore has an on demand on call service. If the City Council wants to add a fourth pick up we would have to negotiate with Waste Management and there would be a cost implication. We are not billed separately, but it is included as part of our franchise agreement. Our agreement is up for renewal in 2005. Cm. Sbranti requested we look at the cost breakdown with our next renewal. Mr. Behrmann stated we could also look at the on call option. Costs would have to be negotiated. AWARD OF BID FOR CITY OF DUBLIN WEBSITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT 10:07 p.m. 7.2 (600-30) Assistant City Manager Joni Pattillo presented the Staff Report. In response to the City's Request for Proposal for Website Design and Development, 25 bids were received, ranging in price from $10,990 to $138,000. Two bids were found to be unresponsive, leaving 23 responsive bids for Staff to evaluate. Four responsive bids were from Dublin-based firms, and two were from other Tri~Valley area firms. After a thorough review, Staff determined that 3 bids best met the City's needs, based on proposed design concept, proposed content features, ongoing ease of maintenance and value. The 3 finalists were Citilinks, ScapeVelocity and E~Agency, and each finalist was invited to make a presentation to Staff. Ms. Pattillo stated Staff reviewed the bid results, received the presentations, checked references and recommended that the City accept the bid submitted by Citilinks. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 1 9, 2002 PAGE 582 Cm. Sbranti asked for examples of enhancements they are proposing. Ms. Pattillo stated the way you search would be one major thing. We want to have it be a clean precise site, as we look at this as our electronic gateway to the City. Mr. Ambrose talked about the timing of when we first developed our Website. Mayor Lockhart asked about ADA compliance with a website. Ms. Pattillo stated a lot has to do with font size and the number of pictures, etc. The other two vendors weren't even familiar with the ADA requirements. Cm. Sbranti stated Citilinks has been very active in the community. On motion of Cm. Oravetz, seconded by Cm. Sbranti, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. 220- 02 ACCEPTING THE BID OF CITILINKS FOR WEBSlTE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH CITILINKS ($26,350) ITEM ADDED TO THE AGENDA MURRAY SCHOOLHOUSE BELL TOWER PROJECT 10:15 p.m. 7.3 (600~30) Parks & Facilities Development Coordinator Rosemary Alex presented the Staff Report. Although the City Manager is authorized to approve Change Orders up to $25,000, there are insufficient funds in the project budget to process Change Order #$. Consequently, an additional appropriation for $1,902 from the Unallocated Reserves is needed. Also, since the project is still in its early stages of construction, it is recommended that an additional 5% contingency ($5,568) to address any unforeseen changes in construction scope of work be approved bringing the total project budget to $115,018. Cm. McCormick asked if we anticipate any other surprises. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 583 Ms. Alex stated she felt we have revealed most of the significant issues. We did not have blueprints, but it is yet to be determined. We anticipate that the project will be done by the $1st of December. On motion of Cm. McCormick, seconded by Cm. Oravetz, and by unanimous vote, the Council approved the Budget Change. DESIGNATION BY CITY COUNCIL OF AN AD HOC AUDIT REVIEW COMMI~E 10:20 p.m. $.1 (110~$0) Finance Manager Fred Marsh presented the Staff Report. The independent auditors from the firm of Vavrinek, Trine, Day and Company anticipate that in the next few weeks, they will complete all of the work required to publish the City's comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, £002. In the past, the City Council has established an Ad Hoc Committee to review the report with the Auditors. The Committee last year consisted of Councilmembers McCormick and Oravetz. Staff recommended that the City Council designate two members to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee and meet with the City Auditors to review and discuss the report for FY ending June $0, 2002. On motion of Mayor Lock_hart, seconded by Cm. Oravetz, and by unanimous vote, the Council appointed Cm. Sbranti and Mayor Lockhart to serve on the Ad Hoc Audit Review Committee. PROPOSED MEMORIAL HONORING FALLEN HREHGHTER SEKOU TURNER AND FORMATION OF A PUBLIC SAFETY MEMORIAL COMMITIZE 10:21 p.m. 8.7. (610~£0/110-30) Assistant City Manager Joni Pattillo presented the Staff Report. On May 21, 2002, Firefighter Sekou Turner suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while performing CPR and preparing a Dublin resident for transport to the hospital. Staff requested that the City Council consider the placement of a memorial honoring fallen Firefighter Sekou Turner to be placed at the City of Dublin's Fire Station # 16 on CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 584 Donohue Drive. Staff also requested direction from the Council on the possible establishment of a Public Safety Memorial Committee to look at a shared memorial policy that would recognize fallen Police and Fire Officers. The Committee would present a proposed Line of Duty Death Protocol and Public Safety Memorial Standard at the February 18, 2003 City Council meeting. Mayor Lockhart asked if there is a memorial planned anywhere else for Sekou. Deputy Fire Chief Sheldon Gilbert stated at this time there is no other memorial planned. Cm. McCormick stated she is in agreement with forming a committee. We really need to do something to honor and give dignity to the memory of these people. She would like to see other people included and do it with great dignity. Expand the scope. Cm. Sbranti stated he agreed in principle of honoring people in the community but questioned if this is the forum. This potentially recognizes people who die in the line of duty. We may want to consider separate avenues for people who are active in other areas of the community. Mayor Lockhart stated she felt concern comes also if we start placing monuments all around the community. How do we then handle the second one? The committee will probably look at this. We do need a public policy that deals with residents and workers in our community that pass away. This is a separate issue, but maybe one committee could deal with both. She stated she would like to see this wait until the committee discusses this. Deputy Chief Gilbert advised that this is one of the difficulties. The plaque has already been ordered. They want to look at this long term so we will have a standard set of protocols. Cm. Zika stated he would like to see this for public safety people, but had concerns with other people and where do we draw the line. He felt the criteria would be a very long discussion. Mayor Lockhart stated she would like to add a Councilmember to the committee that looks at this. Cm. Sbranti indicated he would like this opportunity. Cm. Zika stated he felt they should limit it right now to public safety. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 585 Cm. McCormick stated she supports this, if we look at others in the future; bring this back. On motion of Cm. Oravetz, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by unanimous vote, the Council approved the Sekou Turner memorial display and authorized the formation of a Public Safety Memorial Committee, consisting of representation from the City Manager's Office, Dublin Police Services and the Alameda County Fire Department, plus add Cm. Sbranti to the Committee. NAMING OF NEIGHBORHOOD PARK IN DUBLIN RANCH AREA G 10:52 p.m. 8.3 (920~20) Parks & Community Services Director Diane Ix)wart presented the Staff Report and advised that Staff is seeking input from the City Council on the process to be used to select a name for the neighborhood park in Dublin Ranch Area G. In the past, the City Council has asked the Parks & Community Services Commission to select up to 3 names for a new park for consideration by the Council. Ms. Ix)wart stated Staff wanted to confirm with the City Council that this process should be followed for Dublin Ranch Area G Neighborhood Park. If not, Staff requested that the Council provide direction on the process for naming of the park. The first community meeting was last night and about 22 people were in attendance for the design of the park. Mayor Lockhart confirmed that no one currently lives in Area G. Could we wait until there are residents there? Cm. Sbranti stated letters were sent out to all people who have bought homes in that area. Mayor Lockhart asked if we could let them know we are taking input on names for the park? Ms. Ix>wart stated a second meeting will be held in December. We could introduce the subject at this meeting and generate some ideas. Cm. Sbranti stated the Parks Commission could also include input from the residents. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 586 Ms. Lowart stated we will mail to everyone who came to last night s meeting and will ask Toll Brothers to invite all new people. Mayor Lockhart requested that they also state the date the Parks & Community Services Commission will be discussing this. Kasie Hfldenbrand suggested something be included in the HOA letter. Mayor Lockhart stated one of the criteria she would like to see included is the neighborhood makeup. We have quite an Asian influence and maybe we should take this into consideration. Also, have input from the developers. Ms. Lowart stated the developers were represented at the meeting last night. They presented alternatives with different elements and asked the people to pick and choose from the alternatives. Mr. Ambrose pointed out this item deals with naming the park rather than design issues. Ms. Lowart stated December 16th will be the next meeting. Consensus of the Council was to put this off. Even though this is a neighborhood park, it belongs to the whole community. Staff should get feedback from the next meeting and then take it to the Parks & Commtmity Services Commission and then to the City Council. RESIDENTIAL OFF-STREET PARKING - DISCUSSION OF CITY REQUIREMENTS 10:46 p.m. 8.4 (450-20) Planning Manager Jeri Ram presented the Staff Report and gave historical information. Cm. Sbranti requested that the City Council consider modification of the City's enclosed parking requirement by eliminating the requirement for two enclosed off-street parking spaces and requiring only two off-street parking spaces. Ms. Ram stated if the City Council would like Staff to further explore the possibility of amending the off-street parking requirements for single-family dwelling units to allow for garage conversions, issues that would need to be addressed include: CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 587 1) The ability to allow for garage conversions throughout the City when the development patterns in Eastern Dublin were specially tailored for a certain parking configuration; 2) Equity issues if one portion of the City can convert their garages while the other portion of the City cannot; 3) Adequacy of on~street parking to accommodate those who wish to convert their garage as automobiles have become larger and many families have more than two cars; 4) Loss of sight lines along residential streets which may increase vehicular and pedestrian accidents; and 5) The change in the streetscape pattern of residential areas as more and more cars move on to the street and off private properties. Additionally, this item would need to be added to Staff's work program and other high priority projects may take longer to accomplish. As part of any additional work authorized by the City Council on this item, Staff would prepare a Staff Report examining the above issues in greater depth and conduct a survey of Bay Area jurisdictions to see which cities allow garage conversions and which do not, and implications. Mary Ross, Doreen Court, stated this affects people living in the community. She is a recent resident moving here from the Peninsula. This is a community and she has gotten to know people who give Dublin its significance and its character. There are a lot of cars on the street. There is no usable storage in most of the homes. So many of the garages are filled to capacity with stuff. This measure seems directed in a punitive measure which would affect so many people not able to park their cars in their garages. It seems unenforceable and if it is, it seems a little bit too big brother. It would adversely affect people, contributing members, who are trying to live productive lives and add to this community. Cm. Sbranti stated he would never want to bring forward suggestions that would cause more congestion in the streets. He doesn't see how making one simple change taking away "enclosed" would take away anything. You still must provide 2 off street parking spaces. He did not feel there would be a widespread move to convert garages. This could be a situation where an elder parent could have a level of privacy. There are legitimate scenarios where he could see this going forward. You would still have to provide 2 spaces. Some of the inequities are created by a homeowners association. When you live in certain parts of town, there are pluses and minuses. Every CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 ~GULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 588 neighborhood takes on a different character. This ordinance is overly punitive, as written. He did not feel this change is that complicated. We have to only remove the word "enclosed". Cm. Zika stated he lives in a neighborhood where almost every house has at least one car in the garage and one car in the driveway. He has to put his garbage can out early in order to have a place to put it on the street. He gets calls on a regular basis where people don't have room to put their garbage cans out. He pointed out that the new requirement for garbage bins requires 17 feet. Mayor Lockhart stated parking on the street is not illegal. If we were really serious about this, probably 95% of the City could be cited. Cm. Oravetz stated he likes garage conversions for mother~in-law units; particularly if we could use some of these units toward our affordable housing goals. Most of the people on his street have 3 or 4 cars. Mr. Peabody stated some cities allow garage conversions and some do not. There are a variety of reasons. Some have prohibited this due to aesthetic reasons. It is a mixed bag. Mayor Lockhart stated she felt people won't go out an do conversions no matter what the City Council says. Mr. Ambrose talked about code enforcement issues that staff deals with such as boat or RV storage. Cm. Sbranti stated he did not feel there will be a large rush of people going out and doing garage conversions. Given the housing needs, there are a lot of reasons people may go forward with this type of thing. He did not feel this will have an impact one way or the other on street parking. Cm. Oravetz asked if he converted his garage, could he get credit for an affordable unit. Mr. Peabody explained that it may be an illegal use. If it were a second unit, he would have to get permits and pay fees and provide parking for that unit. Cm. McCormick stated she felt converted garages and parking are two different subjects. This has to do with wording to remove requirements for covered parking spaces. Mayor Lockhart stated she felt if you just take the word "covered" out, this would fix it. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 589 Cm. Oravetz asked if this would just open "Pandora's Box"? Mr. Peabody stated as a practical matter, we advise people in the older portion of Dublin to put an addition onto their house. In many cases, the garage conversions are talked about as being work spaces or larger family rooms rather than dwellings for relatives. This is what the usual request has been, based on his experience. Cm. Sbranti stated the real issue is not about garage conversions, but parking spaces. Cm. McCormick stated people have stuff and they can't get cars into their garage anyway. Ms. Ram stated they could take this to the Planning Commission and then back to the City Council. Just take out word "enclosed/covered". On motion of Cm. Sbranti, seconded by Mayor Lockhart, and by majority vote, the Council directed Staff to bring the issue to take out of the Ordinance the requirement for 2 enclosed off street spaces to the Planning Commission and City Council Cm. Zika voted in opposition to the motion. HSCAL YEAR 2002-03 GOALS & OBJECTIVES STATUS REPORT AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM SCHEDULE 11:16 p.m. 8.5 (100-80) City Manager Richard Ambrose advised that Staff had prepared a bi-monthly status report of Staff's progress towards the objectives assigned by the City Council as of October $1, 2002. As of that date, a total of 12 of 96 objectives have been completed. With respect to high priority objectives, a total of 12 out of 77 have been completed. There have been 10 major additional assignments since April 2002, one of which has been completed. The CIP includes 59 projects that are funded in FY 2002-05. Four projects have been completed since the program was approved in June of 2002. The Council thanked Staff for the report. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 590 OTHER BUSINESS 11:17 p.m. Mr. Ambrose announced that we are having a special ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday to dedicate the library time capsule. Cm. Oravetz stated he and Mayor Lockhart are on the LAVTA Board and they are trying to get more people on the buses and BART and off the freeway. They are giving a free ride this week. Every time there is a spare the air day, the next day will be a free ride on Wheels. We are invited on November 26th to dedicate 4 new wheels buses and each will have the name of a city on it. Cm. Sbranti stated he attended a housing task force meeting with Cm. Zika last Thursday, and we're looking at ways to spend our in-lieu fees. He commended Vice Mayor McCormick on the excellent job she did on the bus tour with the Chamber of Commerce. Everyone marvels at how much we have going on in Dublin. Cm. Sbranti advised that long before he became a Councilmember, he challenged the student body to raise their test scores. He and the Principal set a limit and then stated they would shave their heads if test scores were raised dramatically. He advised that on Friday his head will be shaved. Cm. McCormick reported that she attended the Chamber of Commerce real estate tour and luncheon. She thanked Chris Foss, Economic Development Director. She got tremendous feedback on what he did. She also attended a meeting of Collaboration of Agencies Responding to Disaster (CARD) and they will help the most vulnerable people in case of an emergency. About 18 were there. Mayor Lockhart stated she was in China hugging pandas and visiting with a vice mayor of a city with 10 million people. We have a lot of similarities with Chindu, China. They are a step or two ahead of us with their recycling. It was a wonderful experience. Two communities on opposite sides of the world have an opportunity to support one another. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 591 ADJOURNMENT 11.1 There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 11:25 p.m. ~Y Clerkk" ~ CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 21 REGULAR MEETING November 19, 2002 PAGE 592