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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-10-1990 Adopted CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING - September 10, 1990 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Dublin was held on Monday, September 10, 1990, in the Council Chambers of the Dublin Civic Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m., by Mayor Moffatt. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Hegarty, Jeffery, Snyder, Vonheeder and Mayor Moffatt. ABSENT: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Mayor led the Council, Staff and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Agenda Packet Request Dave Burton stated he understood that the City Council did not wish to discuss the problem of candidates receiving meeting packets at no charge. He indicated he was present to again voice this request. He also again requested that the item be agendized. The City Council should make this determination. He felt that it is only fair that they receive the same information as the City Council. If they should be elected, they should have access to background materials. It is very difficult to disseminate all the information by reviewing the packets at the library. Mayor Moffatt advised that there is a process to go through in order to do this. Mr. Burton stated he did not feel it was necessary for them to jump through hoops just to get packets at no charge. Mayor Moffatt explained that unfortunately, the Council must abide by state rules. Mr. Burton asked another candidate to speak. Mayor Moffatt pointed out that it is not appropriate for Mr. Burton to do this and rather that he as Mayor recognizes speakers. Sean Costello advised that he is also a candidate who wished to speak about the very same thing. He is unchanged about asking for packets for himself. He stated he agreed with the Mayor's opinion that the Council get packets because they have to deal with these things meeting after meeting. He did not think it would hurt to at least let them have a free glance at the packets. Mr. Costello stated that he is a tenant at the housing project, and has responsibilities in that regard and he would also like to know what is going on because he is @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@, CM - VOL 9 - 246 Regular Meeting September 10, 1990 going into this blindly. Everybody must start somewhere and he just wants to help the City. Mayor Moffatt pointed out that packets are available at the library and at City Offices for anyone's perusal. In order for anyone else to receive copies free of charge, there must be a legal opinion made. The Council must go through a hearing process as this would be a deviation of policy. Mayor Moffatt asked the City Attorney to comment. City Attorney Silver explained that the City has a fee resolution establishing fees for copies of documents. Anyone is able to get a copy of the agenda if they pay the required fees. Mr. Burton is requesting that this policy be amended so that certain people get copies free of charge. The City Council cannot take action at this meeting because to do so would be a violation of the Brown Act. Before fees can be established or amended, a noticed public hearing must be held. Lisbeth Howard, candidate, and a School Board Trustee advised that the School District does not require fees, and no matter who is running, they provide full packets which gives people a chance to review and know what they are talking about. The City is preventing people who don't have the money from running. Cm. Hegarty questioned if the candidates actually believed that the information contained in the next 4 packets would make a difference. Ms. Howard said she felt it was a pity to have to pay for these. Mayor Moffatt stated that it is a function of the law. The process is a lengthy one. Staff was directed to place this topic on a futUre agenda for discussion. Open Space Concerns Alfred Bilotti, 8116 Creekside Drive indicated that 200 bales of hay were recently scattered in the open area between the Kaufman & Broad development and Bordeaux Estates. When he questioned this, he was told that someone at the City had directed this. Thousands of dollars were spent to plant new plants and to put in a drip irrigation system. This will be a haven for rats, plus it is a great fire hazard. If we have rain or if the wind blows, the people down below will suffer greatly. It will take years and years for the straw to turn into mulch. Mayor Moffatt asked if he had spoken with anyone on Staff. Mr. Bilotti stated he had spoken with Lee Thompson about 2 weeks ago and was told that he would look into it, but apparently no one has done anything about it. He also requested the Fire Chief to look into @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@, CM - VOL 9 - 247 Regular Meeting September 10, 1990 it. Everyone seems to be passing the buck. The City should also put up a sign, "Fine for Dumping" in this area. Mayor Moffatt stated this was the first he had heard of this problem and that he would help get it settled. City Manager Ambrose advised that he would follow up on this matter. Mr. Ambrose pointed out that this is a private area and is not City owned property. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE City Manager Ambrose introduced Linda Schmidt, a new part-time Clerk Typist/Receptionist in the City Manager's Office. Linda began her employment on August 27th. The City Council welcomed Linda aboard. PROCLAMATION Mayor Moffatt indicated that a proclamation had been prepared declaring September 8-15, 1990 as Local Cable Programming Week. five hours of local programming are cablecast each week to 7,000 residences and businesses in Dublin. No one was present at the meeting to accept the proclamation. Fifty COUNTYWIDE HOUSING BOND PROGRAM ON NOVEMBER BALLOT Staff advised that the Alameda County Board of Supervisors have placed a housing bond measure on the November ballot which would require a 2/3 vote to pass. The bond measure is being sponsored by the Alameda County Housing Council and the Building Industry Association, and would establish a Countywide Housing Bond Program to construct, rehabiitate and acquire rental housing for low-income senior citizens, disabled persons, and homeless families with children. Projects would be subject to local approval. The program could also provide down payment assistance loans to qualified first-time buyers. The total bond issue would be approximately $150,000,000, with $55,000,000 for senior housing, $21,500,000 for disabled housing, $55,000,000 for homeless family housing, and $12,000,000 for first-time homebuyers ($6,500,000 would be used for administration and issuance costs). Each city and the unincorporated County area'would be guaranteed a minimum allocation of $4,500,000 for rental housing. A $10,000,000 fund would be allocated to Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and the unincorporated County areas for rental housing. The funds in the homeownership component would be allocated by County sub-area. East County would receive $3,000,000. @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@, CM - VOL 9 - ~48 Regular Meeting Septe~er 10, 1990 Staff introduced Jack Shepherd of the Alameda County Department of Housing and Community Development and Mark Stechbart with the Alameda County Housing Council. Mr. Stechbart, Government Affairs Representative stated he felt they had made a good start regarding housing issues in Alameda County. This is a program whose time has come, and the public is ready. Cm. Hegarty indicated that the bond issue requires a 2/3 vote. He stated he hoped that the County will put out as much publicity as possible so that the public has a clear understanding of exactly what it is about. The last one missed getting a 2/3 vote by a very small margin. Cm. Jeffery asked if they had calculated out how much money will come out of Dublin versus what percentage will come back. Mr. Stechbart explained that the area designated as East County includes Dublin. There will actually be more money put back into the program than comes out of the area in terms of taxes. Cm. Jeffery asked what it will cost the homeowner. Mr. Stechbart advised that the average assessment will be $10 per $100,000 for the first 10 years and the amount will then decline. Cm. Jeffery asked with regard to the financing aspects, when someone has to come up with a percentage of match money, how is this resolved when they can't come up with the required minimum? Mr. Stechbart advised that we are going through a time when money is hard to come by. The Mortgage Credit Certificate Program actually has an effect of reducing a mortgage by up to 2%. On motion of Cm. Jeffery, seconded by Cm. Snyder, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. 119 - 90 APPROVING PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY OF DUBLIN IN A COUNTYWIDE PROGRAM TO CONSTRUCT, REHABILITATE AND ACQUIRE HOUSING FOR LOW-INCOME SENIOR CITIZENS, DISABLED PERSONS, AND HOMELESS FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN, SUBJECT TO LOCAL CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL, AND TO PROVIDE DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE LOANS TO QUALIFIED FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS CONSENT CALENDAR On motion of Cm. Vonheeder, seconded by Cm. Jeffery, and by unanimous vote, the Council took the following actions: Approved Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 27, 1990; @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@* CM - VOL 9 - 249 Regular Meeting September 10, 1990 Accepted the City Treasurer's Investment Report for Period Ending August 31, 1990; Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 120 - 90 APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF GENERAL FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,522 TO AQUATICS PROGRAM BUDGET Approved Warrant Register in the amount of $170,150.35; Granted conceptual approval of the Alameda County Home Composting Education Program and directed Staff to indicate the availability of Shannon Park as a possible demonstration site. KALEIDOSCOPE ACTIVITY CENTER - REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE Recreation Director Lowart advised that the Kaleidoscope Activity Center provides after School and vacation activities for developmentally disabled youth ages 5 to 22. Since its inception in 1981, Kaleidoscope has provided services to over 100 families in East Alameda County. There is presently a waiting list of 24 families with disabled youth. In order to accommodate this need, Kaleidoscope's Board of Directors have planned a major expansion of their current facility to begin in June, 1991, with the purchase of a portable classroom unit. The total cost to purchase, install and adapt the classroom to the specific needs of the disabled youth is $52,000. In addition, Kaleidoscope is currently reviewing expanding program services to lesser functioning youth who are more physically or mentally challenged, The costs associated with this expansion would include a non-ambulatory van ($37,000); adaptive equipment ($3,000); and increased staffing ($40,000). Ms. Lowart advised that in order to install the 24' x 60' portable classroom unit, Kaleidoscope would need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and a Site Development Review (SDR). The CUP fee is set at $130 and the SDR fee is based on Staff processing costs, and could range from approximately $240 to $1,800. Kaleidoscope is requesting that the City waive these fees. Ms. Lowart indicated that past City Council policy has been that development projects pay the costs associated with processing planning permit applications and that CUP and SDR fees have not been waived on any previous projects. Kaleidoscope has also reqUested a $5,000 grant in FY 91-92 to expand their programs. Ms. Lowart felt that it was premature to consider the request at this time due to the uncertainty of available federal funds. Typically, requests from community groups are undertaken during the City Council budget review which allows the Council to consider all requests based on available funding. @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@, CM - VOL 9 - 9_50 Regular Meeting September 10, 1990 A slide presentation was made by Mike Huckins who stated that they stress the abilities rather than disabilities. He also passed out handouts related to their request, plus a newsletter with publication costs donated. They realize that their request, if granted, would be precedent breaking. This would be an opportunity for the City Council to take a stand and really support the community. It is very difficult for non-profit organizations to expand every year and so they felt that the number of groups asking similar requests would be fairly limited. Mr. Huckins stated that they would be very happy to come back and make a full presentation at anytime in the future and thanked the Council for its consideration on behalf of the families who are waiting. Cm. Snyder questioned the geographic makeup of families now served. Mr. Huckins stated that their services have become greatly in demand. Approximately 10-20% come from Dublin; about 40% from Pleasanton. Disabilities are something that run over the entire area. There are currently 4 children from Dublin enrolled. The total enrollment at the Present time is 36 children. The expansion program would allow for an additional 15 children. Cm. Vonheeder asked when the expected all this to be in place. Mr. Huckins stated they hope to open in June, 1991. Mayor Moffatt asked if there was a fee charged or a donation made by families of those enrolled. Mr. Huckins indicated that they charge $2.95/hr. their fees for a number of years. They have not raised Sean Costello stated he wished to stress the importance of this program. When he was growing up he went from one school to another. Some of the teachers want to teach and some don't. They just want to push you through the school system. He liked the teachers who were there for you. They taught him how to cook, how to write a check, how to type, etc. His word for handicapped is handicapable. This program is important for the entire area, not only for Dublin. Cm. Snyder stated he supported Staff's recommendation, but because this request is coming so early in the year and they must go through a budget process, he requested that Mr. Huckins work with Staff because there might be some areas of their budget for which the City could apply for other CDBG funds. Perhaps other funds could enhance the $5,000 requested, and maybe this figure could be increased. Cm. Hegarty felt this was very important and requested that Staff bring back before the Council as soon as possibie any added funding or support that we might be able to get. Mr. Ambrose stated he was not sure how soon the County would have information available on the CDBG funding to identify what Dublin's share of the block grant program will be. Typically the block grant @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@, CM - VOL 9 - 251 Regular Meeting September 10, 1990 program funds are distributed on the basis of population. This program is not a competitive program whereby we can seek additional funds. Cm. Jeffery pointed out that it is sort of in jeopardy right now. Cm. Vonheeder asked if Dublin had anything currently funded with CDBG funds that are in jeopardy. Mr. Ambrose advised that the Senior Center kitchen upgrade has been identified as a project this year. We haven't received anything from the County indicating that the funding for this project is in jeopardy at this time. On motion of Cm. Snyder, seconded by Cm. Jeffery, and by unanimous vote, the Council denied the request for planning application fee waivers and agreed to consider Kaleidoscope's request for $5,000 in funding during Fiscal Year 1991-92 budget hearings or when the budgeting for the 1991-92 CDBG funding cycle begins. DUBLIN FINE ARTS FOUNDATION LOANED ART PROGRAM City Manager Ambrose advised that in February, 1990, the City COuncil granted conceptual approval of the efforts by the Dublin Fine Arts Foundation (DFA) to develop a "Sculpture Park" with loaned works of art. DFA has obtained funding and is now requesting authorization to proceed with the first piece of artwork. Mr. Ambrose stated that an agreement has been drafted which will provide for a 1-year loan of a large scale sculpture. DFA will arrange to have the artist available for a community forum. Incorporation of educational elements along with the display of artwork has also become a goal of DFA. Location, installation and maintenance were discussed. DFA has requested that the City assume responsibility for insurance costs. City Staff requested that the City's insurance provider assess the implications of this arrangement and they have indicated that they did not feel the display would present any significant risk. The sculpture has previously been displayed in a public plaza at the San Francisco Civic Center. Mr. Ambrose advised that Ron Nahas, President of the DFA would make a slide presentation of the artwork and the proposed location. Mr. Nahas presented a brief slide show and explained~that the concept of a loaned arts program is to give the community the opportunity to see and enjoy a variety of artwork. There are several communities around the Bay Area which.have a successful program. Mr. Nahas advised that Bruce Beasley is the artist who created the sculpture which is made of stainless steel panels welded together. @*@*@*@*@*@*@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@, CM -VOL 9 - 252 Regular Meeting September 10, 1990 Mr. Beasley has created sculptures for almost 30 years. This particular piece is for sale and there are provisions in the contract in the event that it is sold while on display. The contract, however, has not yet been reviewed by the artist. Cm. Jeffery questioned what type of maintenance it will require. Mr. Nahas stated they asked the artist and were told that it requires virtually no maintenance. It is graffiti proof. He did express concern related to damage that could occur if a vehicle were to smash into it. Cm. Vonheeder asked what the sprinklers would do to it, as Dublin water tends to cause damage. Mr. Nahas advised that he would need to find out if Dublin water will damage it. Cm. Jeffery stated she felt the piece was very interesting. Mayor Moffatt questioned how the height related to the building height. He also asked if it would withstand kids climbing on it. Mr. Nahas stated he was sure that kids would climb all over it. He indicated he was not sure what the City policy was related to this, but kids climbing on it would not damage the piece. Mayor Moffatt indicated he was thinking more in terms of a child being injured. Cm. Jeffery felt this is a wonderful opportunity not just for Dublin, but for the entire valley. Sean Costello asked it it would rust. Mayor Moffatt advised that he did not think that stainless steel rusts. On motion of Cm. Jeffery, seconded by Cm. Vonheeder, and by unanimous vote (Cm. Snyder abstained), the council authorized execution of the agreement and directed Staff to work with DFA to complete the installation. AUDIO SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS - COUNCIL CHAMBERS City Manager Ambrose advised that in accordance with Council direction given at the August 27, 1990, meeting, Staff had explored options to improve the quality of the sound system in the Council Chambers. Option 1 involves relocating the existing pyramid microphones to a pedestal and Option 2 would replace the pyramid microphones with a goose neck microphone. The Council also discussed a mute switch and locations for same. @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@* CM - VOL 9 - 9_53 Regular Meeting September 10, 1990 CBC submitted a proposal to mount an on/off switch in the general location of the current mute switch. A small power supply would be installed which could light 2 lights at each location. If the Council selects Option 1 which is recommended by Staff, a switch plate would be mounted on each microphone. A red and green on and off light would appear on the switch plate. This feature is important to reduce the potential for background noises from papers and other items on the work surface. The cost of. this work as proposed by CBC is $104 per location. A summary of total costs for 11 locations was discussed with the total being $3,674 Mayor Moffatt asked on the option of lights vs. no lights, if the major cost was for installation. He questioned if the Council felt this was necessary. Mr. Ambrose advised that this is less expensive than the option previously presented. On motion of Cm. Jeffery, seconded by Cm. Snyder, and by unanimous vote, the Council approved Option 1; authorized a budget transfer of $3,674 from the contingent reserve; and directed Staff to proceed with the modifications by Coast Business Communications. CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAM City Manager Ambrose advised that one of the goals adopted by the City Council in 1990 was to develop and implement a "Customer Service" policy and training.program. The Council and Staff have, in the past, expressed the desire to provide the best service possible to constituents. A number of programs have been implemented, including an annual review of all the service contracts. These reviews measure quality, cost effectiveness, responsiveness, etc. City Staff publishes a Community Newsletter which gives citizens an opportunity to provide feedback on how well the City is doing, as well as an opportunity to look into things which may need to be taken care of. Mr. Ambrose complimented the Herald which recently did a very nice feature article on the Citizen Talkback portion of the City's Newsletter. Our hope is that word gets out so that citizen's will use this in order that we can better provide service to them. In 1986, a Public Works Customer Satisfaction Survey was implemented. The results of this are reviewed during the Public Works Contract evaluation annually. A Management Audit was recently completed of the planning process. We want to make our system more service oriented to the people that use it. The proposed Customer Service Program is designed to build and improve upon the City's past accomplishments in customer relations. The program involves defining customer service expectations; developing customer service standards; and providing employees with the tools needed to enhance service delivery. @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@, CM - VOL 9 - 254 Regular Meeting September 10, 1990 Mr. Ambrose advised that the City has retained a consultant to work with Staff in developing this customer service program. Last year, the consultant interviewed members of the City Council and various City Staff with regard to public service expectations. Subsequently, those expectations were presented and discussed with City Management Staff. As a result of that meeting, the group agreed that 5 qualities are most important to a Customer service program. These are: 1) Responsive; 2) Proactive; 3) Fair/ Honest; 4) Professional (Knowledge- able); and 5) Approachable/Friendly. From these 5 qualities, a draft Customer Service Policy Statement whiCh goes into more detail and elaborates further on these concepts was developed and presented for Council review. Following Council consideration and adoption of the statement, Staff can begin to implement other aspects of a customer service program. Mr. Ambrose advised that an event would be conducted to kick off this program which would emphasize the importance of the program to all employees and contract employees. Cm. Jeffery complimented Staff for picking up on all the qualities and putting together a policy statement. She felt it was very well done. Cm. Snyder stated he felt the Council owed Staff a great deal of credit if you read the figures related to the survey cards. Out of a possible rating of 5, they've averaged a 4.6 rating. Mr. Ambrose stated it has been interesting that the number of responses received have consistently dropped over a 5 year period. He felt that a lot of this is due to the fact that the maintenance staff is more proactive in dealing with problems before the necessity of a service request or complaint comes about. This commendation will be passed along to the people out in the field actually doing the work. With regard to program training, Mayor Moffatt stated he would also like to see some employee recognition activities. Mr. Ambrose stated this would be included in the program. Funding has been included in this years budget to cover not only the training, but some of the recognition aspects also. On motion of Cm. Jeffery, seconded by Cm. Vonheeder, and by unanimous vote, the Council directed Staff to proceed with implementing the Customer Service Program. OTHER BUSINESS Tri-Valley Transportation Forum city Manager Ambrose reminded everyone that Dublin will be hosting a meeting on Saturday, September 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to update everyone related to transportation issues affecting the Tri- Valley Area. Those planning to attend should advise Kay Keck in order that appropriate lunch arrangements can be made. · , · · @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@, OM - VOL 9 - 255 Regular Meeting September 10, 1990 LAFCO Meeting Mr. Ambrose advised that LAFCO will be meeting on September 20, 1990 at 4:00 p.m., in Hayward. The Doolan Canyon issue is on the agenda. East Bay Division/League of CA Cities Meeting Cm. Vonheeder advised that on Thursday night, there will be an East Bay Division meeting in Pleasanton. She indicated she would be attending the Board Meeting only as this will be "Back to School" night. ABAG Rate Structure Cm. Snyder advised that Thursday evening at 5:00 p.m., he will appear before the Finance and Personnel Committee of ABAG regarding their process of assessing dues. He found out this week that the County wrote some memos back in May which indicate that they don't support our position. They do not feel we are entitled to any special consideration. Cm. Snyder felt there was little chance of a change, but advised that he would at least state Dublin's position. Cable TV Cm. Hegarty advised that the cable television industry will finally get some restrictions plaCed on them because of public outcry. The iSsue will come before the Senate tomorrow. In some parts of the Country, it is much worse than in our area. Post Office Cm. Snyder stated he had recently read of a resident's complaints in the Letters to the Editor section related to problems with the "Vacation Mail" service offered by the Post Office. Dublin residents have to go to Pleasanton to pick up all the held mail. When he returned from his recent trip, he also had to go to Pleasanton to pick up stacks and stacks of mail. It took 4 trips to the Post Office before he was able to get his regular delivery service resumed. This is very frustrating. Cm. Jeffery stated she had the same thing happen. @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@* CM - VOL 9 - 256 Regular Meeting September 10, 1990 Cm. Snyder felt that anytime the Post Office says this is not an inconvenience to Dublin residents, they are definitely mistaken. Mayor Moffatt stated that a second letter had been sent to the Postal Service requesting a full-service station in Dublin. Pete Wilson has been contacted and he is looking into it. Cranston's Office has stated that they cannot do anything further. Stark's office has advised that there is not much we can do in taking on the Postal Service. A senator from Tennessee is taking up the banner of lousy postal service. Cm. Jeffery stated she Would be happy to take any information back to Washington, D.C., on an upcoming trip in October. Mayor Moffatt stated this is not a dead issue. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. ~y'or ~ /' ~"Cit~y Clerk @*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@* CM- VOL 9 - 257 Regular Meeting September 10, 1990