Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4.01 Draft Minutes 04-17-2001REGULAR MEETING -April 17, 2001 A regular meeting of the Dublin City Council was held on Tuesday, April 17, 2001, in the Council Chambers of the Dublin Civic Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m., by Mayor Houston. ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmembers Lockhart, McCormick and Zika and Mayor Houston. Councilmember Oravetz. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Houston led the Council, Staff and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. PROCLAMATION 7:09 p.m. 3.1 (610-50) Mayor Houston read a proclamation recognizing April 22, 2001 as "Earth Day" and committing to undertaking programs and projects that enhance the community's natural environment, and encouraging residents, businesses and institutions to use Earth Day to celebrate the Earth and commit to building a sustainable society. The Proclamation was presented to Cm. McCormick who is on the Dublin Pride Week Committee, and who gave a brief update on Dublin Pride Week activities. Cm. Zika reported that Standard Pacific has volunteered to do some work around Kaleidoscope and we have also identified a needy senior citizen. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING April 17, 2001 PAGE 174 PRESENTATION BY CALTRANS ON THE STATUS OF THE 1~580 HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE (HOV) LANES PROJECT 7:13 p.m. 3.2 (800~30) Public Works Director Lee Thompson stated the State Department of Transportation (Calltans) is nearing completion of the project study report for the I~580 HOV Lanes project from Tassajara Road to Greenville Road. This work is in conjunction with the Governor's Traffic Congestion Relief Program, which has allocated $25 million for the project. Arthur Dao, Design Manager from Caltrans District 4 made a presentation and discussed the different alternatives studied and their corresponding cost estimates. Alternative 1 would place HOV lanes in existing median and costs would preliminarily be $76,100,000. Alternative 2 would widen on the outside and costs would be $118,000,000 and Alternative 3 would widen existing median to 64' and widen outside and costs would be $202,500,000. The proposed schedule based on Alternative 3 would be: Approved Project Study Report ~ July 2001; Environmental Approval ~ December 2005; Design Engineering Complete ~ June 2008; and Construction Complete ~ June 2011. Mayor Houston asked what environmental approval means for widening a freeway that takes 4 years. Mr. Dao stated they have to do technical studies and there are about 15 or 20 that they have to perform and disclose all the impact costs. They have to look at potential endangered species and look at historical properties and follow the law in all the various areas. Mayor Houston asked if there is a distinction between widening an existing freeway as opposed to building a new one. Between Dublin, Pleasanton and Livemore we have done many environmental studies and he asked if any of the data could be used. Mr. Dao stated all development is treated the same whether you do a Vasco Road, a Hayward bypass, or whatever; it's all the same. They will certainly look at past data. Cm. Zika asked if one study would be applicable for all alternatives. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING April 17, 2001 PAGE 175 Mr. Duo stated they will study all 3 alternatives, even a no build alternative, and seek consensus from everyone. Cm. Zika asked about coordination with the t~BART studies and if they will borrow from them. Mr. Duo stated these are complimentary studies and they will use the C/VIA as their focal point. Vice Mayor Lockhart asked about the long term schedule and using toclay's dollars. If the project takes 10 years to complete, how does this work? Mr. Duo stated they are in the process of finalizing the cost estimate and there are a couple of methods of tagging inflation rate per year or construction cost index, depending upon the economy and they will look at both means and will take steps to refine the cost estimates. The Council thanked Mr. Duo for the informative presentation. 7:30 p.m. Mark Breazeal stated he had been hearing some interesting things about public health. Livermore man died today from Meningitis. If anyone has concerns, they should call Livermore High School to get information. A 7:32 p.m. Lieutenant Colonel Randolph stated he lives at Camp Parks and was representing the U. S. Army Reserves. He passed out a community calendar of events going on at Parks RFTA, including Earth Day activ, ities on Monday, April 30th. There will be a change of command in August. It looks like the workshop will be held sometime in July. Cm. McCormick asked if the public is invited to the Earth Day event. Lt. Col. Randolph replied yes, it will be at building 521 over at the community club, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING April 17, 2001 PAGE 176 7:35 p.m. Robin McKee, 4626 Woodrow Circle, spoke on the proposed ice rinks at Emerald Glen Park. She stated they live close to the park in the Pulte Homes and moved in about a year ago. They were surprised to hear about two potential ice rinks in the park. She stated she had two concerns. Their understanding when they bought their home was there was to be no commercial buildings in the park. Secondly, they are concerned about property values. Neon signs or required parking will detract from the neighborhood. What could the 2 rinks do to property values in the area? What will the structures look like and will they fit into the neighborhood? How will they be signed? How much will it cost to maintain 2 ice rinks in light of California's energy situation? She stated her neighbors have similar concerns. 7:38 p.m. Marty Desilva, a resident of Persimmon was also opposed to the ice rinks. When they moved in 2 years ago, they looked at what was proposed for the general area and never once did anyone ever address commercial buildings there. They are deeply concerned and hope the City will consider the impacts. There's a lot of space in Dublin and ice rinks should be placed somewhere else. Between Montgomery Wards and Target there is basically nothing, and this would be a better area for something like this. 7:40 p.m. Dr. Dena King, 6966 Village Parkway requested that May be pronounced Posture Month by the American Chiropractic Association. This is to bring public attention to correct posture and its interdependence on good health. This will increase the public's awareness. She discussed why and how she became a Chiropractor. She requested that the Council look at and sign the Proclamation. 7:44 p.m. Dave Halbert 486 Redwood, Dublin echoed comments in opposition to considering the ice rink plan. They moved in to the area a year ago and saw plans that were presented. They did not realize at the time that they weren't final. A lot of people feel mislead about this. He stated he hopes it won't take 4 years to get the streets and park completed. For the betterment of the community, look at a nice aquatic center that's supposed to be there CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING April 17, 2001 PAGE 177 and walk away from the ice rink project. He asked about the status of the project at this time and if the public will be allowed to look at it. Mayor Houston stated the City Manager's report will be presented at the May 15th City Council meeting with a full analysis. CONSENT CALENDAR 7:46 p.m. Items 4.1 through 4.10 Vice Mayor Lockhart pulled Items 4.3 and 4.8. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Zika, and by unanimous vote (Cm. Oravetz absent), the Council took the following actions: Approved (4.1) Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 3, 2001; Adopted (4.2 670-40) RESOLUTION NO. 53- 01 SUMMARILY VACATING AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESS EASEMENT LOCATED ON PARCEL t OF PARCEL MAP 7406 (STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE CHAPTER 4) Adopted (4.4 600~60) RESOLUTION NO. 54- 01 ACCEPTING IMPROVEMENTS FOR JEFFERSON APARTMENTS and authorized Staff to accept a maintenance bond at a future date; Approved (4.5 950~40) the overall budget for 'Day on the Glen' event at Emerald Glen Park and approved Budget Change allocating $620 from Unappropriated Reserves to cover expenses related to the festival that will be incurred in FY 2000~01; Authorized (4.6 1000~90) the Mayor to sign a letter to the State Water Resource Control Board in support of joint DSRSD/EBMUD Water Recycle Grant Application; CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING April 17, 2001 PAGE 178 Authorized (4.7 660~40) the Mayor to sign and send a letter opposing SB 910, penalties for non~compliant housing elements; Accepted (4.9 600N35) improvements, Contract 00~08, Village Parkway Traffic Signals @ Tamarack Drive, Brighton Drive and Davona Drive; authorized release of retention after 35 days if there are no subcontractor claims; approved Budget Change of $5,858 from Measure B Fund 217, $6,644 from TIF Fund 300 and $I4,318 from Gas Tax Reserves Fund 206; and approved Contract Change Order No. 4; Approved (4.10 300-40) the Warrant Register in the amount of $833,274.07. Vice Mayor Lockhart pulled Item 4.3 related to the CDBG Agreement and asked about the program administration fees and what happens to leftover fees. Ms. Cirelli stated the City can request that the County roll over the funds to another project. In previous years, we have rolled remaining funds to the sidewalk project. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by unanimous vote (Cm. Oravetz absent), the Council adopted (4.3 600-40) RESOLUTION NO. 55- 0'! AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DUBLIN AND THE COUNTY OF ALAMEDA REGARDING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-02 and authorized the Mayor to execute 6 originals of the agreement. Vice Mayor Lockhart pulled Item 4.8, Financial Reports and on page 2 questioned where we stand on the Dublin Boulevard underground utility project that's reflected in other revenues. Mr. Thompson stated we have talked to PG&E and they claim they will go forward with our project. His understanding is that all of the work that there were bills for previous to their bankruptcy they will go forward with. This project isn't being delayed at this time. Mayor Houston stated PG&E isn't going away. They won't just quit all programs. Vice Mayor Lockhart asked about the figure for water use in the landscape for streets. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING April 17, 2001 PAGE 179 Mr. Thompson stated it could be because of using RO and the rainy season was stretched out this year. We have definitely noticed some savings at the Dublin Sports Grounds. Vice Mayor Lockhart asked about tech support for the School District. Mr. Ambrose stated they are supposed to be billing us. He has talked with the Superintendent several times about the tech support and they have a plan they are implementing. They've been using contract services through Las Positas College. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. McCormick., and by unanimous vote (Cm. Oravetz absent), the Council received (4.8 330N50) Financial Reports for the Month of March, 2001. ARTWORK FOR SHANNON PARK 7:52 p.m. 5.1 (900~50) Parks & Community Services Director Diane Lowart presented the Staff Report and advised that the Dublin Fine Arts Foundation (DFA) is requesting that the City consider a request to permanently install the artwork "Sirius", currently located on Civic Center property, at Shannon Park and to provide $30,000 in funding to acquire, move and install the artwork. Ron Nahas, President of DFA stated this is something the City Council can get done in 60 days, unlike the Callruns presentation that will take many years. Unfortunately, they have a funding shortfall. This is a bit of a departure from what DFA and the City has done in the past. They will need a higher contribution from the City. They expect to raise half of the money and are asking the City to put up half. They will have to enter into an agreement very quickly. Vice Mayor Lockhart asked about the potential location and if it will be seen from San Ramon Road. Mr. Nahas stated yes, and explained the location. Mayor Houston thanked Mr. Nahas for bringing this to the City Council. He stated he felt this will be a much better location than where it is today. He is very much in favor of this. Lynne Baer stated the people are ready to move the piece. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING April 17, 2001 PAGE 180 Mr. Nahas stated hopefully it can be done within 45 days. Ms. Lowart advised that funding will be part of the next FY budget. Mayor Houston stated he would like to see it being moved. Cm. McCormick asked if it would be possible to have Peter Voulkos present when the piece is moved. Ms. Baer stated he will help us site the piece. It is actually taken apart and moved in pieces, unlike other large pieces that were put into place via helicopter. Mr. Voulkos is about 85 years old and lives in Oakland. Cm. McCormick asked who will own the piece. Mr. Nahas stated the City will own the piece, just as they own the other pieces. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Zika, and by unanimous vote (Cm. Oravetz absent), the Council approved the request from DFA to permanently install Sirius at Shannon Park. APPROVAL OF SUMMARY VACATION FOR LANDSCAPE EASEMENT FOR PUBLIC LANDSCAPING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAN RAMON ROAD AND AMADOR VALLEY BOULEVARD (CASA OROZCO RESTAURANT), AND ACCEPTANCE OF REPLACEMENT GRANT OF PUBLIC LANDSCAPE EASEMENT 8:04 p.m. 8.1 (670~40) Public Works Director Lee Thompson presented the Staff Report and advised that this item proposes to abandon an existing landscape easement originally granted by the Tefjens for public landscaping at the northeast corner of San Ramon Road and Amador Valley Boulevard (Casa Orozco Restaurant), and to accept a replacement easement deed that will encompass a modified landscape plan. Casa Orozco has asked the City to vacate the original 779 square foot Landscape Easement so that a replacement 617 square foot Public Landscape Easement can be granted with a configuration that allows the restaurant parking lot to be reconstructed and expanded. The expansion will add 7 new parking stalls. As part of the Casa Orozco's project, the ornamental wall will be removed and one of the existing trees will be relocated to allow space for the new parking lot curbs and paving. In addition, the CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING April 17, 2001 PAGE 181 landscaping treatment at the corner will be enhanced with a new hedge and several varieties of shrubs. The existing Chamber of Commerce sign will be preserved in its current location. Mr. Thompson advised that the corner has also been designed to accommodate a potential future City gateway monument consistent with the features described in the various downtown Specific Plans adopted by the Council in December of 2000. Said ' gateway monument could replace the existing Chamber of Commerce sign, and would be consistent with the City's Downtown Streetscape Implementation Plan under development by the consulting firm of Freedman Tung and Bottomley. Cm. McCormick stated as a long time frequent patron, she is happy to support this. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by unanimous vote (Cm. Oravetz absent), the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. 56- 01 SUMMARILY VACATING A LANDSCAPE EASEMENT ORIGINALLY GRANTED BY THE TAFJENS AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAN RAMON ROAD AND AMADOR VALLEY BOULEVARD (STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE CHAPTER 4) and RESOLUTION NO. 57- 01 ACCEPTING A GRANT OF PUBLIC LANDSCAPE EASEMENT GRANTED BY THE TAFJENS AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAN RAMON ROAD AND AMADOR VALLEY BOULEVARD OTHER BUSINESS 8:07 p.m. Mr. Ambrose reported that the County has contacted him to set a meeting to discuss the juvenile facility. Mayor Houston stated he would volunteer to go to the meeting, but the sub~committee would need to make the decision. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING April 17, 2001 PAGE 182 The Council selected May 8th for the meeting. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she will be in Ireland and Cm. Zika will be out of town also. Cm. McCormick and Mayor Houston will attend. Mayor Houston advised that at 2 p.m. that afternoon, the LAVWMA pipeline will have a groundbreaking. Alameda County Supervisors Haggerry and Miley will be there. Cm. McCormick stated she attended the ABAG General Assembly last week and was happy to report that Dublin is really leading the way building high rise transit villages, affordable housing, restaurants, etc., around transportation. She advised that she voted on an increase of 4% to ABAG's budget. Cm. Zika stated his phone is ringing off the hook related to the u-turn on Village Parkway. Why can't we move it down to the intersection? Mr. Thompson stated it is almost a quarter mile from the Brighton intersection. We had a lot of calls right off the bat and we extended the striping and put some signs in. Mr. Ambrose stated the roadway right now doesn't allow for a dedicated pocket to turn. Cm. Zika felt with the lights, people seem to be going faster; 45 mph is now the speed limit. He asked if the lights could be put on flashing red during off hours, or adjust the timing so it's not a thoroughfare. Mr. Thompson stated the side streets will not get a green light unless there is a car. Cm. McCormick asked what has changed other than the lights? Did the businesses ask for this or complain or what? Mr. Thompson stated we were going to put in no u~turn originally, and the businesses did complain. Mr. Ambrose stated Staff is looking at some potential options to resolve the speed issue and the other things. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she wanted to advise everyone of an event coming up in February 2002; a Sustainable Living Conference at a location to be determined. There will be a lot of really great information there. They will try to get Councils to partner up with local businesses to attend together. They will discuss how to reduce the waste stream and recycling practices and sharing successes and how businesses can cut their CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING April 17, 2001 PAGE 183 bottom line. There are some ambitious ideas for making it interesting for those who attend. Vice Mayor Lockhart reported that tomorrow she will be traveling with the Policy Advisory Committee with the Alameda County Transportation Committee looking at SMART corridor implementation from Vasco Road to Castro Valley. They will look in Houston and Phoenix at syaems that are currently working. This should be very beneficial for moving traffic in the near future. Mayor Houston welcomed back Ms. Silver who just got back from her trip to Germany. He stated he would like to see prior to the May 15th City Council meeting, maybe the day before the meeting, the City Council could have a tour of the Emerald Glen Park site to stake out where the proposed ice rinks are to be. This would be beneficial to the City Council as well as the public. While out there, give an idea of where some of the other proposed uses are to be located on the site. A field trip would be very beneficial. Mr. Ambrose stated Shea Homes is right in the middle of this area using it as a staging area for construction. They have an agreement with the County. Mayor Houston replied that they could wear hard hats or just stand and see it from the street. Mayor Houston reported that related to the telecommunications incubator project, San R~amon will have a grand opening on April 27th at 3 p.m. This will be interesting and we should take a look at it. ADJOURNMENT 11.1 There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. ATTEST: City Clerk Mayor CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 20 REGULAR MEETING April 17, 2001 PAGE 184