HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4.1 Approve 09-14-1992 Minutes l !
REGULAR MEETING - September 14, 1992
A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Dublin was held
on Monday, September 14, 1992, in the Council Chambers of the Dublirr
Civic Center. The meeting was called to-order at 7: 30 p.m. , by Mayor
Snyder.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmembers Burton, Howard, Jeffery, Moffatt and Mayor
Snyder.
ABSENT: None.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (610-20)
Mayor Snyder led the Council, Staff and those present in the pledge of
allegiance to the flag.
PROCLAMATIONS (610-50)
Mayor Snyder read and presented a proclamation declaring September 14-
18, 1992 as "Rideshare Week" , and urged all citizens who live or work
in the City to practice responsible citizenship by ridesharing,
bicycling, walking or using public transit during this week and
throughout the year.
Cm. Jeffery stated she is very involved in the rideshare campaign with
her new job, and reported that City Staff put into practice some
ridesharing activities this morning. She commended those who
participated in the event.
Mayor Snyder read a proclamation declaring September 22-26, 1992 as
"The Week of Caring" and urged all residents to participate and
support United Way's annual campaign. The proclamation was presented
to Sue Flood. Ms. Flood stated they are hoping to have a very
successful campaign this year which will be a joint effort with the
Tri-Valley Community Fund.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE (700-10)
Police Chief Rose introduced Sgt. Bill Eskridge, who is new to the
Dublin Police Services. He has been with the Sheriff's Department for
10 years, and is a graduate of Cal State Hayward. He replaces Sgt.
Bill Hillman, who is out due to an injury.
Sgt. Eskridge.:stated he is glad to be in Dublin and looks forward to
meeting and working .with everyone.
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M - VOL 11 - 343 Meeting September 14, 1992
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COPIES TO:
ITEM NO.
Mayor Snyder advised that an important benefit to the City of Dublin
with the contract with Alameda County is that if someone can't perform
their job, after 10 days, the County is obligated to put someone in
the slot. Residents would not see this type of benefit if Dublin had
its own police force.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Jeffery, and by unanimous
vote, the Council took the following actions:
Approved Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 24 , 1992;
Approved Change Order No. 3 for the Dublin Boulevard Extension
Contract 92-01 and authorized the Mayor to execute same, and
authorized an additional appropriation to Account 001-9690 from
additional reserves (600-30) ;
Accepted the City Treasurer's Investment Report as of August 31, 1992
(320-30) ;
Accepted the Finance Report for the month of August, 1992 (330-50) ;
Adopted
RESOLUTION NO. 113 - 92
MAKING COMMITMENT FOR CITY'S SHARE OF FUNDING FOR
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM (STP) PROJECT IMPROVEMENT
(Installation of Traffic Signal & Modification of Intersection
at Dougherty Road/Sierra Lane) 1060-90
Approved Warrant Register in the amount of $891, 264 .46 (300-40) .
REQUEST TO PLACE INITIATIVE ON WESTERN DUBLIN
GENERAL & SPECIFIC PLAN REFERENDUM BALLOT (630-20)
City Manager Ambrose advised that the City has received a request from
the Eden Development Group to consider placing a counter measure to
the referendum on the ballot for a special election, if the Referendum
qualifies. They have requested that a ballot measure be developed
which would address and resolve those concerns identified by the
proponents of the pending referendum.
Mr. McKissick read the letter that was submitted to the City related
to their request and emphasized that the measure they are proposing
would guarantee that no construction or development could take place
unless and until concerns such as water availability, open space
preservation, public trails accessibility, ridge line protection,
traffic mitigation, financial liability, public service adequacy and
the like are resolved.
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Meeting September 14, 1992
Mr. McKissick stated there is a lot of inaccurate information being
passed around. It was clear in the minds of Staff, the Planning
Commission and the City Council that there were guarantees, but the
guarantees have not been understood by the public at large. As the
builder of the project, they are willing to look at all these items
that have been addressed and answered and which they have already
agreed to in the process. A number of years will go by before they
begin the process of developing, but guarantees now would be in the
community's best interest. The purpose of the measure would be to
give the people of Dublin legal binding guarantees.
Cm. Jeffery questioned how they are suggesting putting this in a form
that can be voted on.
Mr. McKissick stated there would be guidelines that the final plan
would include regarding these elements. There appears to be a
misunderstanding or miscommunication that this is not the case. This
is the clearest way they can see to provide these guarantees to the
people of Dublin.
Cm. Burton questioned the impact of how this would be affected if we
don't annex this land and the County does.
City Attorney Silver stated the action the Council took in July was
approving a General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan. It would go
forward if the property is annexed. It is not a restriction on the
land.
City Manager Ambrose presented an analogy and discussed the fact that
the City of San Ramon has a plan for the Dougherty Valley, but it is
not effective because the Contra Costa County plan prevails.
Cm. Jeffery pointed out that Contra Costa County took control because
of a vote that occurred.
Cm. Burton asked if Alameda County can start with whatever they want
if we don't annex the land.
Ms. Silver explained that the land is currently governed by the
County's General Plan and the County's Zoning Ordinance.
Cm. Moffatt asked if the referendum has a significant number of
signatures and can go on the ballot if they were saying the City can
develop its own wording.
Ms. Silver advised that if the City Clerk determines that there are an
adequate number of signatures and certifies the referendum to go on
the ballot, the City Council will have 3 options: 1) they can repeal
the Resolution; 2) they can put it on the November, 1994 general
municipal election ballot; or 3) they can call a special election to
be held within a specified time period as mandated by the Elections
Code.
Cm. Moffatt asked who provides the wording of the referendum.
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CM - VOL 11 - 345
Regular Meetanq September 14, 1992
Ms. Silver stated the entire Resolution which was approved by the
Council is the referendum and basically, the question being asked is
if that Resolution should take effect.
Mr. McKissick stated they are suggesting that the action be reaffirmed
and acknowledged as a correct action and in addition, have a set of
guarantees. It would be an addendum which would become rock solid
rules and preservation guarantees to be followed in the planning
process over the next few years. This would simply lock in certain
aspects of the plan with policies being irrevocable.
Cm. Burton asked how it would be on the ballot.
Mr. McKissick stated he assumed it would probably be Propositions A
and B. Their plan would be to look at the key issues which have been
presented to the public. They would be identified under preservation
guarantees.
Mr. Ambrose stated there are a number of mitigation measures in the
plan. What Mr. McKissick is proposing is to take those of most
concern, and identify those as being subject to voter approval and
which could never be changed except by approval of the voters. If the
Council so directs, Staff would meet with Mr. McKissick to discuss the
specific guarantees, with wording brought back at the next meeting.
Mr. McKissick stated it became quite clear during the signature
gathering for the referendum that there were about 8 to 10 key issues
that the proponents felt were the most critical to the citizenry of
Dublin and it is those issues that they feel an initiative could
address. It would become law.
Mr. McKissick clarified that they are not asking for an initiative
which guarantees them a project, which was apparently misunderstood on
the part of some members of the press, but rather, they are willing to
put on the ballot those key issues of concern to the citizenry.
Ms. Silver advised that there would be 2 measures on the ballot. If a
special election is called, the voters would have a chance to say if a
Resolution which the City Council has adopted should go into effect.
Subject to a provision in the Elections Code, the City Council can
place an initiative on the ballot which would be an affirmative action
enacting an Ordinance.
Mr. McKissick as an example stated there would be no construction or
development that could take place unless it pays its own way, provides
its own water and does not raise the cost of service to current
residents and does not make the City and current residents responsible
for costs. They are willing to put this into law.
Cm. Moffatt asked if this would be a law that will affect all building
in the future.
Mr. McKissick stated it would only affect the West Dublin project.
The real irony is that they have in all good faith been here for 3 1/2
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CM - VOL 11 - 34C
Regua Metfn September 14, 1992
years moving this project forward. They are not afraid to confront
the issues and present this to the voters.
Cm. Burton asked if this would set any precedence.
Ms. Silver stated she was not aware of any case where this exact thing
has been done, but there have been situations where a City Council
placed things on the ballot with a citizen sponsored initiative.
Cm. Burton questioned if this could be subject to litigation.
Ms. Silver advised that any action on the part of the Council could be
subject to litigation.
Cm. Jeffery questioned what happens if both pass.
Ms. Silver advised that if the Council directs this to go forward, one
of the things she would research would be if the one that gets the
most votes would prevail. The initiative would include some
additional language to be developed. They would not conflict.
Cm. Moffatt asked in the event that the referendum does not pass,
would the Council still go ahead with the special election.
Mr. Ambrose advised that both decisions would be made by the Council
at their meeting on September 28th.
Cm. Jeffery stated she likes the idea since there seems to be some
distrust of what the Planning Commission and City Council did. This
could put out some guarantees of what the people are asking for.
Mayor Snyder clarified that the Council would only be directing Staff
to prepare the necessary documents for consideration at the next
Council meeting.
Doug Abbott stated he was pleased that Mr. McKissick has finally
admitted that those opposed to the project have legitimate concerns.
He seems to have followed a page from the environmentalist manual on
initiatives. , For better or worse, real change only happens through
the initiative process. He should have to qualify his initiative in
the honest way and stand in front of supermarkets and gather
signatures just like citizens of Dublin did. This would be a bit of a
problem since.' he is not a resident of Dublin. Of course, he can
afford to buy signatures. If the City Council puts this issue on the
ballot, then they will be making it clear that their real constituency
is not the residents of Dublin, but it is in fact, the big bucks out-
of-town developers and land owners.
Cm. Jeffery advised Mr. Abbott that he had personally insulted
everyone on the City Council. He is assuming that they are accepting
money or something out of this. They have taken zip. He said he
wanted the people to have a say and he- is now saying he doesn't want
them to have a full voice. Their vote would have the strength of law.
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CM - VOL 11 - 347
Regular Meeting - September 14, 1992
Cm. Burton stated he agreed that Mr. Abbott had just insulted
everyone. They have gone through the public process and spent months
and months on this. Mr. Abbott is making a very big mistake and they
have every right to do what they are doing. They are objecting to
allowing the public to have a fair chance to evaluate this. He
resented very much Mr. Abbott's way of trying to intimidate.
Yolanda Weaver stated she had never before been involved in political
organizations. Thank God she was able to read about Mr. Abbott's
efforts. He is not alone in opposing this. The Council sits there
smugly and gets upset. Cm. Jeffery herself said she objected to
special interests. The survey calls that were done were so slanted
that it made her sick to answer the questions. Mr. McKissick was able
to pay for the survey. She questioned why the big rush. She stated
Cm. Burton will probably have a home up in the hills and get a special
membership to the fancy golf course they are trying to get approved.
She will be watching to see which of the Council move into the big
homes there.
Mayor Snyder interrupted Ms. Weaver and stated if would be necessary
for her to conduct herself appropriately and in a fit manner.
Ms. Weaver stated this was the first time she had spoken and she
intended to finish. She didn't see anything wrong with her manner.
Mayor Snyder stated she would do it his way or she's gone. She is to
address her comments to the Mayor and not individual Councilmembers.
Mayor Snyder demanded that there be decorum in spite of the emotions
of this issue.
Ms. Weaver stated the Council has said that if Dublin doesn't build
there, Castro Valley will. Supervisor Mary King says there are no
plans at all for the property. The County wants to keep it as open
space. Mr. McKissick is just trying to confuse the voters, and if he
doesn't agree with their efforts, she questioned why he just doesn't
campaign against the referendum.
Robert Patterson stated he wasn't clear on the question that Cm.
Jeffery had asked City Attorney Silver about which would override the
other; if the initiative would override the referendum or not.
Mayor Snyder clarified that Ms. Silver said she would have the
information at the next Council meeting.
Frank Ruskey stated he felt the City Council had done its job and did
all the planning. What has come out is the people have a question on
the project. This issue will be debated in the next Council election.
Citizens are intelligent enough to make decisions and they know what's
going on. The Council should immediately respond to all those
signatures and get this on the ballot and put it to a vote and get it
over with. If people want to know what is happening, they can get
involved. If they don't, that's their-- problem. People are concerned
about the Dublin hills. Everyone present doesn't want the hills
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CM - VOL 11 - 348
Regular Meeting September 140 1992
touched. Hearings have gone on for years. Something has to happen
over there, our economy is in trouble.
Lee North stated he is a member of the Planning Commission and has
lived here since 1966. If the referendum makes the ballot, there is
every possibility that the project will not pass. What Mr. McKissick
wants to put on the ballot are certain guarantees. These could only
be changed by a vote of the people. The Planning Commission and City
Council could not change anything in the future. He personally saw
nothing wrong with this. If citizens want the land protected, this
would guarantee it.
Elliott Healy felt the Council should have to get signatures. He
questioned if there is some law that allows the Council to do this.
Ms. Silver advised that there are 2 ways to get something on the
ballot. People can gather signatures or the legislative body can
place an initiative on.
Jerry Kekos questioned how we go about annexing the land.
Mayor Snyder stated generally we would make an application to LAFCO
and would have identified the fact that measures had been taken to
prezone the property. LAFCO would hold public hearings regarding
liability and determine that infrastructure and services are provided,
or that the City has a means to do this. Then LAFCO would say if it
agrees that annexation to the City is a reasonable thing to happen.
Property tax agreements with the County would be developed which would
allow this to happen and it then becomes attached to the City.
Annexation fees are paid by the developer or land owner.
Mr. Kekos asked who will pay the costs for the special election.
Mayor Snyder stated in theory, the City is responsible, but it has not
been determined who will pay.
Mr. Kekos asked who will make the preservation guarantees.
Mayor Snyder ,stated these are really political guarantees which
currently the Council could change, but which could be placed with the
voters. The Council would be bound by the electorate's decision.
There has been a policy in place since adoption of the General Plan in
1985 which says that no future development can impact financially the
core community.
Mr. Kekos asked if there will be a complete bypass from the current
City.
Mayor Snyder stated there are 3 different avenues of access and
egress: 1) Eden Canyon Road; 2) Schaeffer Ranch Road; and 3) future
extension of Dublin Boulevard.
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Regular Meeting September 14, 1992
David Buely stated in all due respect to Mr. Abbott's comments, when
major change comes from the initiative process, it can either do too
much or too little. From a financial point of view, they can work for
or against you. If not well thought out in advance, most initiatives
passed in the State of California have had fundamental flaws in them.
We are looking for a result that will be in the best interest of all.
None of the questions can be answered until the draft language is
seen. Hopefully, public comments will be allowed once the wording has
been developed. He expressed concern that the legislative body might
be delegating some of its authority to the voters that is not
appropriate. Wording of an initiative is very complex and the City
could run into some major problems.
Mayor Snyder stated Mr. Buely's comments run parallel to his personal
thoughts. People who represent are elected to represent. He honors
and recognizes both sides of this issue. For whatever reason, if the
City Council makes a decision to have an initiative, it is their
responsibility. No one needs to feel ill about it.
Cm. Burton questioned if his understanding was correct in that if they
vote down the referendum and also vote down the initiative, everything
is status quo. This is another option that has not been discussed,
but which should be addressed.
Mr. Buely clarified that what he was saying is that it will depend on
the language. If legally binding guarantees are what the public
wants, who enforces this?
Mr. Abbott asked for clarification on what is meant by the referendum
passing.
Ms. Silver stated that the Staff Report at the next meeting will make
this clear. The whole referendum process is confusing.
An unidentified woman from the audience asked when the plan kicks in
that was approved on July 13th. Also, when is the no turning back
point reached.
Mayor Snyder advised that the Council adopted a General Plan Amendment
and Specific Plan for 300 + acres. The Specific Plan gives guidelines
on how the property will be developed. It doesn't mean that those
plans cannot be modified at some point in the future. Mr. McKissick
is asking that the guarantees be given to the voters.
Mr. Ambrose advised that we do not have a specific project plan. This
would have to come back as a planned development with a tentative map.
Mayor Snyder pointed out that we are a long way away from any
development. His earlier admonition was a very general one that
public meetings are to be conducted in a particular fashion. There is
a method under which a public meeting must be conducted. He is the
Chair of the meeting and stated he made no apologies for what he did
this evening. No one's rights were breached. When someone is at the
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CM - VOL 11 - 350
Regular Meeting September 14, 1992
podium, they can only make comments to and through him. There will be
fairness to everyone who wants to speak.
On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Jeffery, and by majority
vote, the Council instructed Staff to bring to the next City Council
meeting, the exact wording for a Council initiative and also, the
ballot wording for the referendum, based on the assumption that it
will be certified. Cm. Moffatt voted against this motion.
Cm. Moffatt stated he had concerns when you talk about the future. He
felt the City Council should have the ability to make changes and
should preserve their prerogative to make future changes. He stated
he had no undue comments to make about Mr. McKissick's proposal.
Cm. Jeffery stated she agreed in a way, but felt there has been enough
misinformation and that most of the populace has not really looked
into this. She would like to have a method for the public to really
see if they agree or disagree after looking at the facts.
PUBLIC HEARING - REQUEST FOR SINGLE WAY
STOP SIGN ON VIA ZAPATA AT JUAREZ LANE (590-40)
Mayor Snyder opened the public hearing.
Public Works Director Thompson advised that a resident recently
requested that the City consider installing a stop sign on Via Zapata
@ Juarez Lane. While the Vehicle Code requires drivers on Via Zapata
to yield to drivers on Juarez Lane anyway, Mr. Thompson explained that
City Staff is recommending installation of a stop sign as a safety
measure.
Cm. Burton asked if this was just a concern or if there had been any
accidents on account of this.
Mr. Thompson stated it is just a concern at this point.
Mayor Snyder ,stated he agreed with the concept.
No comments were made by members of the public relative to this issue.
Mayor Snyder 'closed the public hearing.
On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Moffatt, and by unanimous
vote, the Council adopted
RESOLUTION NO. 114 - 92
APPROVING A STOP SIGN ON VIA ZAPATA
AT THE INTERSECTION OF JUAREZ LANE
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CM - VOL 11 - 351
Regular Meeting September 14, 1992
PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDMENT TO GENERAL PLAN
TO INCORPORATE VARIOUS TECHNICAL REVISIONS (420-30)
Mayor Snyder opened the public hearing.
Planning Consultant Gillarde presented the Staff Report and advised
that the City's current General Plan was adopted in February, 1985.
The GP needs to be amended to add certain technical revisions to be in
conformance with State Law. Most of the changes involve adding
references and updating the text. Several policies have been added to
strengthen existing programs. Also, previously adopted GP Amendment
policies have been inserted.
Changes were discussed which relate to: Chapter 1. 0 Background;
Chapter 2 . 0 Land Use and Circulation Section: Lane Use Element;
Chapter 3 . 0 Land Use and Circulation Section: Parks and Open Space;
Chapter 4. 0 Land Use and Circulation Section: Schools, Public Lands
and Utilities Element; Chapter 5. 0 Land Use and Circulation Section:
Circulation and Scenic Highways Element; Chapter 6. 0 Housing Section;
Chapter 7 . 0 Environmental Resources Management Section: Conservation
Element; Chapter 8 . 0 Environmental Resources Management Section:
Seismic Safety and Safety Element; and Chapter 9. 0 Environmental
Resources Management Section: Noise Element.
Ms. Gillarde advised that costs to prepare the amendments are
estimated at $2 , 320, and funds were included in the 1992-93 Budget.
Cm. Moffatt questioned the location of the 7 historical sites in the
City as listed on Pages 7-4 and 7-5 of the GPA. He specifically
questioned the Alviso Adobe, the Green Home and the Palomares School.
Ms. Gillarde stated this information was taken from the technical
supplement.
Planning Director Tong stated they are listed on an inventory sheet
that Staff would need to review.
Mayor Snyder stated the Palomares School is in the Palomares Canyon
and the Green Home has been gone for years. We may need to make
modifications and perhaps remove some of these from Dublin's
inventory.
Cm. Moffatt stated on Page 8-7 dealing with hazardous materials, he
would like to see a Conditional Use Permit process required to develop
the areas after they have been suggested by the developer.
Mr. Tong advised that as the County's plan is approved, we will have
the CUP requirement as part of the process.
John Anderson stated he took exception to Page 5-1 related to
trafficways. Residential collector streets may have a grade up to 15%
allowed under special conditions and he felt this makes for a
potentially unsafe condition. He suggested that streets be kept at 8%
grade. Hansen Drive is approximately a 12% grade.
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CM - VOL it - 352 lar Meeting September 14, 1992
David Buely felt that when you put homes and children on hills with
steep streets, you have the potential for accidents. He stated he
would like to see some stronger language inserted to indicate that
these are to accommodate low volumes of traffic only. It would have
been difficult to lower the grade on Hansen Drive. A 15% grade should
not be admissible unless absolutely necessary and they should never be
allowed to carry through traffic.
Cm. Jeffery questioned why the grades were set at 12% and 15%.
Mr. Thompson explained that Inclined Place has a 20% grade which was
approved by Alameda County. It is difficult when you get up in the
hills to avoid these grades.
Cm. Jeffery felt there comes a certain point where steep grades and
firetrucks just don't work.
Mayor Snyder closed the public hearing.
In response to a question, Mr. Thompson advised that these rules will
apply to new streets going in.
Cm. Burton questioned if there had been any accidents with runaway
cars directly attributable to the steepness of the streets.
Police Chief Rose stated he was not aware of any in the last 4 years.
Mr. Thompson indicated there was a construction truck that went into
someone's back yard. It is necessary to curb your wheels.
Cm. Moffatt asked about changing the maximum grade in the residential
areas to 6% and leave the 15% for special conditions by approval of
the City Council.
No one expressed a desire to pursue this.
On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Jeffery, and by majority
vote, the Council adopted (to become effective in 30 days)
RESOLUTION NO. 115 - 92
ADOPTING TECHNICAL REVISIONS TO THE
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT
Cm. Moffatt voted against this motion.
CM - VOL 11 - 353
Regular Meeting 0 N 0
September 14, 1992
REQUEST BY CM. BURTON FOR CITY TO FURNISH
COMPLETE AGENDA PACKETS TO CANDIDATES AT NO CHARGE (610-20)
City Clerk Kay Keck presented the Staff Report and advised that Staff
currently prepares 20 complete agenda packets for distribution to the
City Council, Staff members, press, and 2 for citizen information.
The citizen information packets are available for review by the public
in the City Clerk's Office and at the Dublin Library. The Library
packet is delivered on Thursday evenings and is therefore available to
the public for perusal on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. In
addition, a copy machine is available in close proximity at the
Library, should a member of the public wish to photocopy any portion
of the information. The packet in the City Clerk's Office is
available for review on Friday and Monday only, as this office is
closed to the public on weekends.
Ms. Keck reported that in order to produce an additional 4 packets,
actual copy costs of approximately $96 per meeting would be incurred,
and Staff time required to complete the overall agenda preparation
would be increased by 20%.
Cm. Burton stated his reason for requesting this is to be fair. There
are only about 3 more meetings before the election, and having the
packets available just seems to be a way of recognizing a legitimate
candidate's need to inform themselves on the issues.
Cm. Jeffery stated she opposed this because of the costs involved and
also, in a sense, Cm. Burton is asking for the City Council to single
out a certain group. If they want their own packet and are willing to
pay for them, this would be okay. She felt by providing them at no
cost, they would be using public money in an inappropriate way. She
did not feel it passed Cm. Burton's fairness test. The information is
available for anyone to review at 2 different places prior to all
Council meetings.
Cm. Moffatt asked if a fee could be included when the candidate files
papers to run for office to cover the cost of providing packets.
Ms. Silver stated any fees would have to be voluntary.
Cm. Burton made a motion, which was seconded by Cm. Moffatt to provide
packets to candidates at no charge until the election. This motion
was defeated "due to dissenting votes cast by Cm. Howard, Jeffery and
Mayor Snyder.
Cm. Howard stated she didn't feel the City should spend the money now.
CM - VOL 11 - 354
Regular Meeting September 14, 1992
REPORT ON STATE BUDGET IMPACT ON 1992-93 CITY BUDGET (330-30)
City Manager Ambrose presented a report which identified reductions in
the City's revenues as a result of the recently adopted State Budget.
The State Controller has estimated the City of Dublin's loss in
property tax to be approximately $342 , 272 . This is a permanent
reduction. All Cigarette Tax money has been shifted from cities to
the State. The City of Dublin received $32, 207 in Cigarette Tax in
FY91-92 ; however, no Cigarette Tax was included for FY92-93 . Trailer
Coach In-Lieu Tax has been shifted from cities to the State and
Dublin's estimated loss in FY92-93 is $6,850.
Mr. Ambrose advised that the State Budget results in a shift of an
estimated $381, 329 in revenue away from the City of Dublin. Of that
amount, the City will be short $349, 122 in FY92-93 Budget as adopted.
In addition to the loss of this revenue, it is likely that the City
will be impacted by increased charges from Alameda County as a result
of the reduction of County revenues by the State.
Mr. Ambrose explained that he was proposing a plan of action to
address the loss in revenue. He suggested that Staff be directed to
prepare a report to the Council which covers areas: 1) Operational
Savings (without reducing service) ; 2) Potential Reduction in
Services; 3) Additional Revenues; and 4) One-Time Savings or Cost
Deferrals.
Mr. Ambrose advised that once this material has been presented to the
City Council, the Council may wish to set a public hearing to review
the issues before taking final action.
Mr. Ambrose reported that on a good note, it appears that the City
will be ending up in the black for FY 1991-92 .
Cm. Jeffery stated she felt that anyone who had read Senator
Boatwright's recent comments could see what a shell game they are
playing in Sacramento. What they are doing is amazing and just
doesn't make sense. She questioned if the City would be looking at
all services.
Mr. Ambrose advised that every operational service the City provides
would be reviewed. A special task force consisting of a mix of
management and non-management employees has been formed to look at all
possible revenue sources for the City. This would include
brainstorming for new sources of revenue. They are to prepare a
report which is due on September 16th.
Cm. Burton asked if we would be getting into sources of funding.
Mr. Ambrose stated the focus would be mostly on the City's General
Fund.
Cm. Burton asked is there was any consideration on taking the property
tax situation to litigation.
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Cm. Jeffery advised that this would be discussed at the next League of
California Cities Revenue & Taxation Committee meeting which is to be
held on Friday, September 18th.
Mr. Ambrose stated another possibility would be if the county
auditors, who control the monies, refuse to turn it over to the State.
If they refuse to make the changes the State demands, it will end up
in the courts. If the State can take 9% from us this year, they could
easily take 20% next year.
Cm. Burton questioned if, during this review, we will look at the
option of paying for a service by having a fee.
Cm. Moffatt stated he felt this process was really a great idea and he
was 100% behind it.
On motion of Cm. Moffatt, seconded by Cm. Jeffery, and by unanimous
vote, the Council directed Staff to proceed with the identified
process to address the impacts of the State's Budget on the City of
Dublin.
OTHER BUSINESS
Business Task Force Community Forum Meetings (470-50)
Mr. Ambrose advised that the Business Task Force has been working on a
business forum to solicit input from the business community. On
Wednesday, September 30th, 2 meeting times have been scheduled; one at
7 : 30 a.m. , and the other at 6: 00 p.m. , here in the Regional Meeting
Room.
Volunteer Recognition (710-70)
Cm. Burton stated he felt there should be some kind of recognition for
the people who have served on the City's various commissions and
committees.
Cm. Jeffery pointed out that this recognition was planned as part of
the 10 year celebration and the Council cut it from the budget.
Personnel/In-Lieu Services (700-40)
Cm. Burton asked if Staff could look into seeing if there is a way
that the City could allow seniors to perform some type of in-lieu
service to offset the cost of their garbage pick-up.
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Regular Meeting September 14, 1992
State Legislation (660-40)
Cm. Jeffery gave a brief report on Propositions 167 and 166. She
recently heard presenters discuss the pros and cons of each. The
Revenue & Taxation Committee did not support either one. Proposition
167 is very anti-business and they felt it would cost Californians
many jobs. They felt it would be economically devastating to
California. Proposition 166 relates to mandatory health insurance and
they did not feel it would solve the problem. It would place a burden
on small businesses. A solution has yet to be worked out.
Cm. Burton stated he would like to see the City Council adopt a
resolution opposing Proposition 167 and requested that this be
agendized.
Council Administration (610-80)
Cm. Jeffery requested that the Council start thinking about doing
something for Mayor Ken Mercer, who will be retiring from the City
Council in Pleasanton. A dinner is being held for him on October
21st.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the
meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
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