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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.01 Draft Minutes10-17-2000 REGULAR MEETING - October 17, 2000 A regular meeting of the Dublin City Council was held on Tuesday, October 17, 2000, in the Council Chambers of the Dublin Civic Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m., by Mayor Houston. ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmembers Howard, McCormick, Zika, Vice Mayor Lockhart and Mayor Houston. None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Webelo Scouts from Pack 909 led the Council, Staff and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. RECOGNITION OF DUBLIN GREEN GATOR SWIM TEAM PARENT COMMITTEE 7:09 p.m. 3.1 (610~50) Recreation Supervisor Paul McCreary advised that each summer, the City sponsors the Green Gator Swim Team program at the Dublin Swim Center. The Green Gator Parent Committee is made up of parents who have swimmers on the team. During the past 2 years, the Committee has raised over $10,000 for the team for incentives and equipment. Additionally, they have provided countless hours assisting with the operation of the program. Certificates of Appreciation were presented in recognition of the 2000 Swim Team Parent Committee to: Joanne Amavisca, Gina Giuliano, Dave Johnson, Debbie Laird, Terri Meadows, Kim Plowman, Sandy Sperling, Karen Thornton, Deborah Todd, Chris Wiedeman and Ken Young. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 422 PRESENTATION OF GOLDEN NUGGET AWARD PLAQUE FOR THE DUBLIN RANCH TOWN CENTER 7:13 p.m. 3.2 (150~20) Community Development Director Eddie Peabody advised that the Dublin Ranch Town Center project, which was approved by the City Council in March, 2000 was recently awarded a Golden Nugget Award for the "Best On~the~Boards Site Plan". The Golden Nugget Awards are also known as the "Best in the West". This years winners emerged from 594 entries submitted from the 14 western states and the countries of the Pacific Rim. The Dublin Ranch Town Center is located on approximately 87 acres of land, north of I~ 580 and east of Tassajara Road. The Town Center will incorporate a pedestrian~oriented "Main Street", bike and pedestrian trails, parks, open space, public uses and high density residential neighborhoods to provide a retail and entertainment focus for the Dublin Ranch community. Martin Inderbitzen, representing the developer Sierra Land Development Corporation presented the City with the award. 7:22 p.m. Shawn Costello expressed concern and stated he would like to agendize an item for a future City Council meeting. It has come to his attention that places on Scarleft Court are not adequately sited with signs of public access going in and out of the businesses and on Dougherty Road as well. He is having trouble with cars still cutting him off. He would like to see signs put up, "beware of wheelchair pedestrians" on Scarlett and Dougherty Road. Mayor Houston asked that he work with Mr. Thompson who will report back to the City Council. 7:24 p.m. Morgan King stated a couple of weeks ago opponents of Measure M took this opportunity to make remarks about alleged misleading comments in favor of Measure M. He stated he wanted to comment on something much more egregious, and serious CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 423 misrepresentations in the arguments against Measure M. They say it will cause Dublin to lose control of the land and then they say it will prevent them from developing the land. How is this possible? These comments are completely nonsensical. Neither statement is true. This is simply a voter provision and it does not prohibit development. Right now they don't have any rights to develop the land as it is zoned agricultural. They next say Measure M will steal the land because of regulation. Measure M doesn't take any land. Does Measure M include a tax of some kind7 The General Plan, by simply having the provisions, doesn't provide protections. A former Councilmember said the General Plan is just a piece of paper. Seventy nine percent of voters said they didn't want development in the western hills. This is a City of Dublin measure. This City Council that was elected has invited more of the voters to have a say regarding land planning in the west. 7:29 p.m. Mark Breazeal stated there are a lot of important issues here. We should seriously look into getting bus service at night time. There's a lot of things the Council is not doing, such as listening to the residents. There's a lot of exciting things happening and he is looking forward to working with everyone. He would like to see the Mayor work with more coffers from Sacramento. He urged everyone to vote on November 7th. Mr. Breazeal stated it amazes him to see democracy in action. Lona McAllister commented on statements made by Morgan King. He stated Measure M doesn't prevent development, but it will set the stage to implement the General Plan amendment to say no urban services will be provided to the area. He says it doesn't steal land, but if you devalue land, that steals the rights that goes with the property. This seems to be taking away one of the rights. He said the Western Dublin Hills is supposed to be a greenbelt. Where is this stated that it is now a greenbelt? Roxanne Nielsen asked about comments by the City Council in the flyer that's being distributed. What is the further information? The flyer says developers are planning additional houses for this area. It has a campaign number and references the FPPC. It was distributed at the Fasta Festival. It says contact the Dublin City Council for further information. Mayor Houston pointed out that the City did not distribute this flyer. Ms. Nielsen stated the flyer also slanders previous leaders of Dublin. Mayor Houston stated the Council cannot comment on things not under their purvue. The City did not distribute this. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 424 7:36 p.m. Dave Bewley spoke about the campaign literature that's going around. It says for further information, you can contact your City Council. Mayor Houston asked to see a copy of what the flyer says. For further info ... contact the Dublin City Council. It does not say the City of Dublin and does not give a phone number. He requested that everyone politic outside. David Bewley stated this is really the rights of the community to draw the line on where development may occur. This is not a legal taking of any land whatsoever. It is for areas outside the limits of the City of Dublin. In the past the GP was not upheld and developments were allowed without proper consideration. Outside this area is a better place to carry on the campaign. This is really about the citizens' fights to vote on future development. It is all above board. CONSENT CALENDAR 7:40 p.m. Items 4.1 through 4.7 Cm. Zika pulled Item 4.6 related to the Crossridge Road abatement issue. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Howard, and by unanimous vote, the Council took the following actions: Approved (4.1) Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 3, 2000; Adopted (4.2 570~20) RESOLUTION NO. 182- 00 APPROVING NO PARKING ZONE ON SCARLETT COURT IMMEDIATELY WEST OF SCARLETT DRIVE Determined (4.3 600~60) that developers have complied in good faith with the terms and provisions of the following Development Agreements and concluded the Annual Review Period for: Santa Rita Commercial Center; California Creekside/Brookside; Hartsen Ranch; Villas at Santa Rita; SummerGlen; Jefferson at Dublin; Emerald Pointe; Casterson Property (Tassajara Meadows I) ; Dublin Ranch Areas A~H; Dublin Ranch Phase CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 425 I; General Motors; Koll Development; Micro Dental; Tassajara Meadows II; and Dublin Ranch N Supplemental Areas F, G & H; Approved (4.4 330N20) Final Budget Changes for Fiscal Year 1999~2000 and an Operating Transfer of $345 from the General Fund to the Dublin Information, Inc. (DID Fund; Authorized (4.5 600~g5) Staff to advertise Contract No. 00~15, Dougherty Road Tree Planting for bids; Approved (4.7 300N40) the Warrant Register in the amount of $1,129,612.27. Item 4.6 (600-30/440~40) Joe Devane stated he was present representing the Souza's in the abatement matter. Mayor Houston advised that a 4/5 vote is required to add this to the agenda for discussion. On motion of Cm. Zika, seconded by Vice Mayor Lockhart, and by unanimous vote, pursuant to GC Section 54954.2(b) (2), the Council found the need to take immediate action to consider authorizing the City Manager, in his discretion, to negotiate and execute an agreement with the owners of the property located at 7957 Crossridge Road to give them more time to abate the nuisance conditions on the property; that the need for action came to the attention of the Council after the agenda for tonight's meeting was posted, when Staff received a request from the owners' attorney to allow them to complete construction of an addition to the residence on the property; and that it is necessary to add this item to the agenda tonight so that the Council can consider authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the owners to assure that the necessary abatement work will be completed as expeditiously as possible. This item would be added to the agenda as Item 7.3 under Unfinished Business. See Item 7.3 for discussion and action related to abatement work to be performed at 7957 Crossridge Road. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 426 PUBLIC HEARING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT PA 97-046 7:43 p.m. G.1 (450-20) Mayor Houston opened the public hearing. Community Development Director Community Development Director Eddie Peabody presented the Staff Report and advised that this is the second reading of a Zoning Ordinance amendment that would add Section 8.92 to the Dublin Zoning Ordinance. The amendment involves the regulation of wireless communication facilities. The purpose and intent of this Ordinance is to provide a uniform and comprehensive set of standards for the development and installation of wireless communication facilities (i.e., antennas, personal wireless facilities, monopoles and lattice towers) and related facilities. No testimony was entered by any member of the public relative to this issue. Mayor Houston closed the public hearing. On motion of Cm. McCormick, seconded by Cm. Howard, and by unanimous vote, the Council waived the reading and adopted ORDINANCE NO. 21 -00 ADDING SECTION 8.92 TO THE DUBLIN ZONING ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING ZONING ORDINANCE PROVISIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND INSTALLATION OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES PUBLIC HEARING EMERALD GLEN VILLAGE CENTER, DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT PA 00-003 7:44 p.m. 6.2 (600-60) Mayor Houston opened the public hearing. Associate Planner Anne Kinney presented the Staff Report and advised that this draft Ordinance would approve a Development Agreement between Shea Properties, LLC, the Alameda County Surplus Property Authority and the City of Dublin for the Emerald Glen CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 427 Village Center project, located at the northwest corner of Dublin Boulevard and Tassajara Road. The project proposes a mixed-use development, including a 134,000 sq. ft. neighborhood shopping center, 390 multi-family apartment units, structured and surface parking, landscaping and related improvements. No testimony was entered by any member of the public relative to this issue. Mayor Houston closed the public hearing. Cm. Zika stated he is not against the DA, but he still feels there is inadequate parking. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Howard, and by majority vote, (Cm. Zika abstained), the Council waived the reading and INTRODUCED the Ordinance, and scheduled the second reading for the November 7th City Council meeting. PUBLIC HEARING ~ STOP SIGNS ON AMADOR PLAZA ROAD AT ST. PATRICK WAY/I-680 OFF-RAMP (INTERIM MEASURE) 7:46 p.m. 6.3 (590~40) Mayor Houston opened the public hearing. Public Works Director Lee Thompson presented the Staff Report and advised that the opening of the I~680 southbound off~ramp at Amador Plaza Road is planned for approximately October 26th. Power will not be available for the traffic signal for a few more weeks, and it is proposed to operate this intersection as a four-way stop in the interim. No testimony was entered by any member of the public relative to this issue. Mayor Houston closed the public hearing. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO, 183- 00 APPROVING INSTALLATION OF STOP SIGNS ON AMADOR PLAZA ROAD AT ST. PATRICK WAYil-680 SOUTHBOUND OFF-RAMP (INTERIM MEASURE) CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 428 CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY ARTS SELECTION ~ PRESENTATION 7:47 p.m. 7.1 (600-30) Parks & Facilities Development Manager Herma Lichtenstein presented the Staff Report and advised that Lynne Baer, Arts Consultant would make a presentation in order for the Council to consider the recommendations of the Civic Center Library Art Selection Subcommittee. Lynne Baer discussed the process that was used. Ms. Baer advised that for the Plaza, the Library Art Subcommittee recommends Robert Ellison, sculptor. Mr. Ellison has been working in metal sculptures for 30 years and has a support staff that includes structural engineering. His most recent work was for the Alameda County Assessor's Office. In the Rotunda area, a stained glass artist, Peter Mollica is recommended. His work includes both private and public work, including a recent project with the Library Architect, BSA. The third area that was reviewed was the children's area. The Subcommittee recommends a muralist team, Evans and Brown. Evans and Brown have extensive experience in the area of murals, including the San Francisco Public Library and the Tiburon Library. Up until this point, the artists were not required to submit a concept, sketches or a mock- up of what they plan to do. Instead, they were scheduled based on their past work. The next step is for the artists to develop a concept that will then be presented to the Library Art Subcommittee, the Heritage & Cultural Arts Commission and the City Council for final approval. The Arts Consultant recommends that the artists be paid a stipend of $1,500 to develop the concept. Once the concept is approved, a contract for the balance of the work will be finalized. Cm. Zika stated he has been asked if they received any proposals for quilt art. Ms. Baer responded that they did not. They were very specific in the RFQ - they were looking for stained glass artists, mural artists and sculpture. These areas need the art to be integrated as it is being built. Quilt art will definitely be considered in the future. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 429 On motion of Cm. McCormick, seconded by Cm. Howard, and by unanimous vote, the Council authorized Staff to enter into an agreement with the artists to proceed with conceptual design for a stipend of $1,500 per artist. CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH ECONOMIC & PLANNING SYSTEMS (EPS) TO PREPARE AN OPEN SPACE ACTION PLAN FOR THE WESTERN EXTENDED PLANNING AREA 7:57 p.m. 7.2 (600-30) Community Development Director Eddie Peabody presented the Staff Report and advised that this Plan will identify specific recommendations for the City Council to consider in determining what actions to take in preserving Open Space in the Western Dublin Extended Planning Area. Eight tasks are proposed, including detailed physical, biological and economic investigation of parcels located east of the ridge. The suitability of affected property for any development will be completed. Four specific option plans covering a Transfer of Development concept, potential acquisition by outside agencies, the use of conservation/development rights easements and direct acquisition of all or portions of key parcels will be completed. Priorities will be developed, a City Council workshop will be held and specific cost and funding will be estimated for each option. An Action Plan will be developed and two public workshops held to review the options and gather public input. A final report will be prepared and submitted to the City Council in late February, 2001. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she was confused about how the passage of Measure C or D could affect our open space study. She asked if the results of the election could change the way we study this? She stated she was concerned about giving a contract for $57,000 and then after the election, it changes the scope of the study. Mr. Peabody responded if the City Council is interested in the subject of acquisition or protection of open space, they will do so regardless of what the election results are. Mayor Houston stated he felt from a planning sense, it doesn't make any difference at all. We want to have a plan in place. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 430 Cm. Zika stated both measures address potential to develop, but we're talking about acquiring open space. Mr. Peabody stated neither Measure C nor D affect the City's ability to annex property to the City. There may be some development and some ability to obtain property. Mr. Ambrose stated there could be problems with transfer of development rights if Measure D passes. A portion of this contract involves exploring this option. Mr. Peabody stated there are 3 other options that are legitimate things to look at with strong possibilities that a program could be put together. In administering the contract if one of the 4 is chosen not to be done, we would spend less money exploring that option. Vice Mayor Lockhart asked if we are putting the cart before the horse. She felt it might be wiser to just wait two weeks before awarding the contract. She asked if 2 weeks would make a big difference. Mayor Houston stated he felt we need to be proactive in controlling our destiny. We need to have a plan to do what Dublin wants to do. Cm. Zika stated he did not feel Measure C or D will have a significant affect on a plan of how we want to acquire open space. Whatever measure wins, it will probably end up in court. If we sit and wait until it goes through the court process, we could be waiting forever. He expressed agreement that we should be proactive. Cm. McCormick asked if the contract will actually be let within 2 weeks. Mr. Peabody stated generally the contract is ready to go within the next couple of weeks after approval. Cm. McCormick stated She would like to see the City Council pass this and let bureaucracy take its course. Mr. Peabody stated they hope to have the plan done by February. Mr. Ambrose suggested that the City Council could approve the contract and authorize Staff to make any necessary changes and appropriate adjustments after the election. Cm. McCormick questioned the Dublin Hills Open Space Preserve that works in tandem with the EBRPD plan; isn't this part of our plan anyway? CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 431 Mr. Peabody stated this will certainly go ahead if there is some opportunity to do that working with EBRPD. This is aside fn~m what's being done with this study. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by unanimous vote, the Council authorized the City Manager to sign a contract amendment with Economic & Planning Systems to prepare the report, with the addition of Staff having the ability to alter the contract as needed after the November 7th election and authorized a Budget Transfer ($57,220) from the Open Space Reserve Fund to the Community Development Professional Services Fund. ABATEMENT OF NUISANCE AT 7957 CROSSRIDGE ROAD Item 7.3 added (440~40/600-30) 8:05 p.m. Attorney Tim Devane thanked the City Council for adding this to the agenda. He stated they have no problem abiding with the recommendations. They also hope to expedite this. This depends upon whether the City Council authorizes the Souza's time to fix the problem. This could be a win/win situation. Mr. Souza has received his own private funding which will be put into an escrow account. Any monies that have been spent by the City will be paid for by Mr. Souza. Attorney Sky Woodruff explained the recommendation which is a joint recommendation from the City Attorney's Office, the Building Official and the City Manager. They attempted to develop an approach to protect the City's interest in this matter and get the situation cleared as soon as possible. If the Council is willing to grant the owners additional time to complete the construction of the addition, to guarantee that the work is done in the shortest time possible, it should require the owners to obtain a new building permit and, at a minimum, do all of the following to obtain a permit: 1 ) Provide proof acceptable to the City Manager that the owners have secured sufficient funds to complete the addition and restore the residence to a habitable condition and to pay for the costs incurred by the City in abating the nuisance conditions on the property; 2) Place funds secured to abate the nuisance conditions into an escrow account that will be paid out to compensate the City for costs of abatement to this point, and that, upon the owners' failure to begin or complete work according to a schedule approved by the Building Official, will become accessible by City to pay for its costs of demolishing the addition and restoring the residence to a habitable condition. The escrow instructions would provide for progress payments to the owners' contractor upon approval by the CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 432 Building Official of the completion of the stages of construction outlined in a work schedule to be prepared by the owners and approved by the Building Official; 3) Obtain approval of the Building Official of plans for the completion of the addition and a schedule for the commencement and completion of the construction, and a scope of work. The owners will also be required to submit and receive Building Official appn~val of their agreement with their general contractor to perform the approved abatement work. Mr. Woodruff advised that if the City Council is interested in allowing the owners additional time to abate the nuisance conditions of the property, Staff recommended providing the owners until October 25th to come to an agreement with the City, part of which will be agreement to a schedule approved by the Building Official for obtaining a building permit and satisfying the other conditions outlined above and in the Council's Order to Abate. Staff believes that the owner should submit all required documents and place funds into an escrow account within 2 weeks of the execution of such an agreement, in other words, not later than November 8th. Staff believes that it can complete review of those documents and issue a building permit within a week of their submission, by November 15th. Staff considers the owners' 4 month construction schedule reasonable, which would result in completion of the addition by March 15, 2001. Mr. Woodruff explained that if the Council is willing to grant the owners additional time to abate the nuisance conditions of the property by completing construction of the addition, it should also authorize the City Manager to negotiate with the City's selected contractor, or if necessary, another contractor, to demolish the addition to the residence upon the owners' failure to comply with the conditions described above, to commence, finish a stage of, or complete construction of the addition, or to correct a deviation from approved plans after reasonable notice from the City. Cm. Zika asked, with regard to the loan amount, if the whole $165,000 will be placed in escrow. He thought it would have to be something over the loan amount. Mr. Devane clarified that $165,000 is available. There is an appraisal that needs to be completed and he was told it could be done within the next couple of days. The contract amount is approximately $104,000. Mayor Houston clarified that they still have to do an appraisal and asked when it will be funded. Mr. Devane stated it will be done within a week. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 10 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 433 Cm. Zika stated he felt if they can't get an appraisal, we need some other alternative. Mr. Woodruff stated the final details have yet to be worked out, but we want to make sure that once a fair point by point schedule is developed for construction, the City maintains some control over the funds. We want some ability to release the funds as construction occurs. Mr. Devane advised that the plans are completed and ready to be submitted. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated if the loan has been approved, she was confused related to the timing. Mayor Houston explained that it's based on conditions being met. Cm. McCormick asked if the neighbors have been told of these new plans. At the hearing, the place was full of people from the neighborhood. If this is going to change, one of the conditions should be that the neighbors are informed. Mr. Devane stated that would not be a problem. They would be happy to advise the neighbors if it is approved tonight. Mr. Brecht, the builder/contractor spoke and said he had people out to make assessments and they felt it was pretty much okay the way it is. There is some deconstruction they will have to do to upgrade it to the new code level. There is nothing rotted. They can go forward and complete the project. There are some junior liens that have to be taken care of and there will be about $120,000 left. They will work everyday to get this done as soon as possible. Mr. Ambrose stated the abatement action of subsequent action would result in completion approximately January 10th, or 55 days to complete the work. Mr. Brecht stated that schedule can be beat and they will do better than what's on the schedule now. Mr. Devane clarified that the cost of $64,000 is to tear it down and $105,000 would be the cost to complete the addition. Mayor Houston felt the key thing is money and he felt we need to give latitude to get this done. If they don't get the loan, we need to get it done. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEE't~ING October 17, 2000 PAGE 434 Cm. McCormick stated she did not understand this mathematically. It seemed to be a lot more than $165,000. Mayor Houston clarified that the $65,000 for abatement would not be necessary. Ms. Silver stated a lot of Staff time has been spent on this since the first of the year. Staff had not calculated the figure yet. Mayor Houston stated by the next City Council meeting, the City will know whether they are going forward or whether we will abate. Mr. Ambrose clarified that October 25th has been identified as the date to have an agreement put together which will establish and set conditions on how this whole project will proceed. He indicated that this agreement will not surface tomorrow morning, but will develop over the next week. Ms. Silver stated the City Council could authorize the City Manager to negotiate a different start date for the demolition so it won't have to come back to the Council. Mr. Ambrose stated the key date for them is November 8th, when we will proceed with abatement. On motion of Cm. Zika, seconded by Vice Mayor Ix~ckhart, and by unanimous vote, the Council authorized the City Manager in his discretion, to negotiate and execute an agreement with Benjamin and Sasha Souza, the owners of the property located at 7957 Crossridge Road, that, at a minimum, requires them to satisfy the conditions. outlined above, at the times described above, prior to the issuance by the City of a building permit that would allow them to complete construction of an addition to the residence on the subject property. On motion of Mayor Houston, seconded by Cm. McCormick, and by unanimous vote, the Council determined that if an agreement satisfactory to the City Manager cannot be reached with the owners by October 2 5th, to negotiate and execute an agreement with the City's selected contractor, of if necessary another contractor, upon the occurrence of any of the circumstances described above, to demolish the uncompleted addition to the residence and restore the residence to its original, habitable condition. The Council also approved the Budget Change form. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 435 SUPPORT OF ALAMEDA COUNTY MEASURE A UNINCORPORATED COUNTY UTILITY USERS TAX 8:35 p.m. 8.1 (660-30) Karen Dyer, 71 O0 San Ramon Road, passed out information related to Measure A, and stated she was representing Friends of the Dublin Library. A $1.4 Million cut in library service funding will be felt throughout the entire system. They request the City Council to go on record in support of Measure A. Mayor Houston explained how this came about and discussed that it began back in 1993. It is ERAF plain and simple. We've been fighting to get money reallocated that the State raided. Measure A, which is on the November 7th ballot, would approve and continue until June 30, 2009, the existing 5.5% Utility Users Tax on gas, electricity and interstate telephone service which is collected in the unincorporated areas of the County. The tax will fund the County Community Development Department, Sheriffs Department and County Library Services. The tax will not be imposed on residents of the City of Dublin. If Measure A is not approved by the voters, the County would be forced to either redirect existing revenue resources to the County Library or reduce Library services. While Utility User Tax revenues are to only be used for services in the unincorporated areas of the County, reductions in Bookmobile stops, purchase of library materials, and support to branches will affect the entire County Library System, of which the City of Dublin is a part. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Howard, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. t84 - 00 SUPPORTING ALAMEDA COUNTY MEASURE A TO PRESERVE COUNTYWIDE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND LIBRARY SERVICES PRESENTATION OF THE FINDINGS OF THE PROJECT STUDY REPORT FOR THE 1-580/ SAN RAMON ROAD-FOOTHILL ROAD INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENT 8:40 p.m. 8.2 (800-30) Public Works Director Lee Thompson presented the Staff Report and advised that the first step in acquiring approval from Caltrans in improving the 1-580/San Ramon Road- Foothill Road Interchange is the preparation of a Project Study Report (PSR). This project CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 436 proposes to modify the I~580/San Ramon Road~Foothill Road Interchange in order to eliminate weaving problems and improve traffic operations. The project will modify the Interchange by realigning both the westbound and eastbound diagonal off~ramps to a tee intersection with San R~amon Road~Foothill Road and removing the existing loop off~ ramps in both directions. Mr. Thompson advised that the estimated cost of the improvements proposed in the PSR is $ 3.91 million, which includes the preparation of the Project Report/Environmental Documentation, Plans, Specifications and Estimates, construction, and construction administration costs. Heidi Ouren with HQE made a presentation and explained the proposed changes. Mayor Houston asked if, in working with Pleasanton, we will be able to go forward with both sides right now? Mr. Thompson stated we are hoping that Pleasanton will go along with this. We will be meeting with Pleasanton staff this week. If they don't go along, we can go with our half, but hopefully, we can get them to go along. Cm. McCormick commented it is about an 11 month project once it gets going. What happens during this period of time? Are lanes closed down? Ms. Ouren stated they will come up with a comprehensive staging plan that the contractor will use to keep traffic moving. Shawn Costello stated he has a big problem with the Pleasanton side. The sidewalk leading all the way to the mall is horrendous and there are problems with wheelchairs going over the sidewalks. We should make it so wheelchair traffic doesn't have to go further into lanes of traffic. Ms. Ouren pointed out where the sidewalks will be and stated it will actually be safer for pedestrians. Mr. Costello stated they made a mistake on Hopyard. He would like to meet with their office to show them exactly what he's talking about. Ms. Ouren explained that they will eliminate this problem with this new area. On motion of Vice Mayor Lockhart, seconded by Cm. Howard, and by unanimous vote, the Council accepted the findings of the Project Study Report (PSR) and directed Staff to proceed with the steps necessary for the continuation of the preparation of the Project Report/Environmental Documentation and Plans, Specifications and Estimates. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 437 SPRINT PCS FACILITY AT SHANNON PARK 8:53 p.m. 8.3 (1010~10) Associate Planner Andy Byde stated Staff had received a letter from Kai Hermann, Wireless Site Coordinator, on behalf of Sprint PCS, requesting that this application be withdrawn and perhaps be brought back at a future time. OTHER BUSINESS 8:54 p.m. Mr. Ambrose stated the November 7th City Council meeting is election night. He asked if the Council wished to meet at the same time or adjust their meeting schedule that night? He discussed several items that will be on the agenda for that meeting. Mayor Houston asked if it could be moved to Monday, November 6th or Wednesday, November 8th. Mr. Ambrose pointed out that November 8th is the Mayors' Conference. By Council consensus, Staff was directed to move the meeting to Monday, November 6th, to begin at regular time of 7 p.m. City Clerk Kay Keck pointed out that there could potentially be some cable TV conflicts that evening. The Council then agreed that the meeting should be changed to Wednesday, November 8m because of CTV considerations. Ms. Keck was requested to confirm this change with CTV 30. Cm. McCormick reported that she recently attended the ABAG General Assembly and it was the 8th annual Gene Acres on the Biotech Industry. She brought back a lot of information for Mr. Foss. The whole industry is really booming. They are on the cutting edge of developing new pharmaceuticals. It is very desirable to have biotechnology companies in an area. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 438 Cm. Howard advised that she will attend the East Bay Division of the League of California Cities meeting this week. Cm. Zika discussed two instances that had come before the City where people looked at the price of homes in the area, came to Dublin and bought lots and altered the homes where they are now twice the size. When they buy on a great big lot, in one case the house is 1,892 sq. ft. and the new model will be 3,799 sq. ft., or more than double the existing size. Cm. Zika stated he felt we need to look into this to see if we should set up a process where neighbors are notified that someone is going to do a significant remodel. We could look at what Palo Alto did. When you are doubling the size of an existing structure, this will make a major difference in the neighborhood. He would like to see us look into some kind of a policy, maybe if it is going to be a 25% increase, they should notify the neighbors. We could potentially have a lot of people down here screaming bloody murder. Vice Mayor Lockhart stated she has interacted with Regina Adams in Code Enforcement, and commended her on her follow through and professionalism in dealing with residents. Vice Mayor Lockhart asked if the committee has been established yet related to the underpass art? Mr. Ambrose advised that it will be on the agenda of the next Council meeting. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 439 Vice Mayor Lockhart asked if there will be some type of wrap up meeting related to the Pasta Festival. Ms. Lowart stated there will be a report on the November 21 ,t Council meeting. Mayor Houston stated there was recently a 10th anniversary celebration by Conex Cable on Sierra Lane. The President of this division came over from Japan and a lot of top people with their company were there. We received a contribution of $10,000 to go toward the computer for our schools program. He publicly thanked them for this. They have had a program in place for 4 years where they take 2 students from Dublin High School and send them to Japan for an exchange program. Cm. Zika stated he also attended the 10th anniversary party. Mayor Houston stated with whales happening now with a lot of agencies talking about environmental issues with frogs and snakes impacting millions of acres, he asked if it would be a good thing to address this with the League of California Cities and ask them to provide a forum to decipher all the information and have positions and ideas. This affects not only Dublin, but cities all over the state. He would like to see us write a letter asking them to set up some kind of a committee. This is a big issue for everybody. Cm. Howard stated she would be happy to bring this up at the East Bay Division meeting. City Attorney Silver suggested that this topic be agendized. Mayor Houston stated these are exciting days in Dublin.. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors just authorized the sale of property around the BART station to Oracle Systems. He extended his welcome to Oracle. A lot of great things are happening in Dublin. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 440 ADJOURNMENT 11.1 There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:08 p.m. ATI'EST: City Clerk Mayor CITY COUNCIL MINUTES VOLUME 19 REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2000 PAGE 441