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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-28-1994 Adopted CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING - February 28, 1994 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Dublin was held on Monday, February 28, 1994, in the Council Chambers of the Dublin Civic Center. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m., by Mayor Snyder. * * * ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT-. Councilmembers Burton, Houston, Howard, Moffatt and Mayor Snyder. None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Snyder led the Council, Staff and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. * * * CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD FOR MARCH (150-90) City Manager Ambrose presented the March Customer Service Award to Deputy Randy Skarphol with Dublin Police Services. DeputY Skarphol introduced his wife and parents° Randy stated his parents had given him a lot of positive support and had provided a good role model. CONSENT CALENDAR On motion of Cm. Moffatt, seconded by Cm. Burton, and by unanimous vote, the Council took the following actions: Approved Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 14, 1994; Received a report on the City's Alarm Systems Ordinance (580-25); Received the January 31, 1994 Financial Report (330-50); Awarded the bid for a 1993 Ford Taurus to Shamrock Ford and directed Staff to prepare a purchase order ($13,433.83) (350-20); approved a budget adjustment for an additional appropriation in the Internal Services Fund; and adopted RESOLUTION NO. 20 - 94 DECLARING PROPERTY SURPLUS (UNMARKED 1985 FORD LTD POLICE CAR 350-40) and authorized'Staff to secure auction services from Nationwide Companies, Inc.; *@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@,@,@,@,@,@,@ CM - VOL 13 - 47 Regular Meeting February 28, 1994 Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 21 - 94 APPROVING ANAGREEMENT WITH EQUITAX FOR UTILITY AUDITING SERVICE (600-30) Approved Warrant Register in the amount of $1,322,595.27 (300-40). Cm. Burton requested that the item dealing with approval of the access easement be pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion. He stated he wanted to be sure this wouldn't jeopardize the whole thing from going into one theme° He wanted reconfirmation that this will not be jeopardized and that we are not messing it up. Mr. Thompson explained that the reason we have done this is because of the 2 ownerships. We will ask each of the property owners to submit bids. The City's 2 remnant parcels will be combined with either John Moore's property or the Vangelatos property. If neither wants them, we must go to the general public with a bid process. Cm. Burton thought we were making it possible for Vangelatos to make a parcel without involving themselves with the Moore property. He would hate to see a fence go up. Mr. ThompSon stated Vangelatos already owns the 2 Pieces on the corner. The property owner is interested in ground leasing, but not really interested in selling unless they can get a whole lot of money. Mr. Ambrose clarified that the easement will not facilitate a fence. It will force it to be something that flows between the 2 parcels if Moore buys it. Cmo Burton stated over the years, we have had difficulties with properties putting up fences and people having to go in and out, in and out. It should not have access by itself because it shuts it off. Mr. Thompson advised that the Vangelatos' have come in on a short-term basis with a boat dealership for 1 year. This at least gives them the maximum flexibility of the corner. It forces them to have at least a common driveway on that corner. Mr. Ambrose indicated that the advantage for either property owner to bid on the City's remnant parcels is that it will enable them to have a larger pad size. The easement forces the property owners to cooperate. He asked if the City could preclude them from building a fence on the site. Cm. Burton felt that this is one of the City's best corners that can be developed into a good looking shopping area. Mr. Tong explained that through the Site Development Review process, if the easement is there, they definitely can't build a fence. They will facilitate it with no parcel access having to go back out on the street. ,@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ CM - VOL 13 - 48 Regular Meeting February 9-8, 1994 Cm. Burton stated he wasn't so much concerned about the individual use there, but don't chop it up and have another Village Parkway set-up. He asked if we can 'put this into our conditions. Mr. Thompson stated the deed just allows access through there. suggested that the Council approve it and then offer it to both property owners. He On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Moffatt, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. ZZ - 94 APPROVING THE GRANT OF ACCESS EASEMENT TO KANARIS AND HARIA VANGELATOS AND NIKOLAOS STANITSAS (DUBLIN BOULEVARD EAST OF DOUGHERTY ROAD FOR $19,312 670-40) Cm. Moffatt requested that the item dealing with the architectural agreement for the Heritage Center renovation be pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion. He noted that no time line was contained in the agreemento Ms. Lowart stated she anticipated that the work will be completed with working drawings and go out to bid by June or July and the work to begin in August. Cm. Moffatt asked if the Task Force will be involved. Ms. Lowart stated they are concluding their work and in the next month the City Council will be getting their final report. Cm. Moffatt questioned if we will be able to use volunteers who had indicated they would be willing to help. Ms. Lowart stated Staff will be looking at those elements of the renovation that can be done by volunteers and pulling them out of the contraCt. On motion of Cm. Moffattf seconded by Cm. Howard~ and by unanimous vote, the Council approved an agreement with Alan R. Dreyfuss AIA and Ho Ruth Todd AIA, Associated Architects for the Heritage Center Renovation (600-30). REQUEST FOR FUNDING FROM THE LIVERMORE ~MADOR VALLEY TRANSIT AUTHORITY (1060-20) Assistant to the City Manager Texeira advised that the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) has requested a $1,500 contribution to support Dial-A-Ride services in Fiscal Year 1994-95 to help offset the cost of providing service in the City of Dublin and to avoid fare increases. LAVTA has requested a response from the City by mid-March. *@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ CM- VOL 13 - 49 Regular Meeting February ZS, 1994 Cm. Burton asked if this could be Put with the budget considerations the Council would be discussing on Wednesday night° Mr. Ambrose stated this request had been deferred until the budget deliberations in the past° Wednesday nights' meeting is not for deliberation, but rather a study session for the Council to provide direction to Staff in preparing the preliminary budget. On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cmo Houston, and by unanimous vote, the Council deferred consideration of this item until the budget hearing. REQUEST FROM DUBLIN LITTLE LEAGUE (600-30) Recreation Director Lowart advised that Dublin Little League (DLL) has requested permission to build 2 batting cages at the Dublin Sports Grounds and then to have exclusive use of the batting cages upon completion. Staff reviewed the preliminary plans and believes that the construction can be accomplished by DLL volunteers. Ms. Lowart stated the City would be responsible for minimal site preparation, review and approval of the plans and specifications for the improvements, and inspection of the improvements. The estimated cost to the City is $1,025 and Staff felt this amount could be absorbed in the Dublin Sports Grounds Operating Budget. With regard to the request for exclusive use of the batting cages, Staff recommended that the City not accept the improvements and require DLL to retain ownership of the improvements and be required to maintain the batting cages and accept all liability for the batting cages. Ms. Lowart advised that a revised agreement had been distributed. Cm. Moffatt asked about the location change when it was proposed for Dublin Information, Inc., property. Ms. Lowart advised that the Civic Center property is owned by DII and it has been set aside for future civic uses. Also, in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, there are some proposed civic uses for development of that property. Mayor Snyder asked how the batting cages will be secured so that no one else can use them. Ms. Lowart stated it will be a fenced facility with a locked gate. Dublin Little League will be responsible for maintaining the security. Cm. Burton noted that they originally wanted 4 but Staff was recommending 2 and he questioned why. *@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ CM - VOL X3 - 50 Regular Meeting Februar~ Z8, 1994 Ms. Lowart explained that it is actually 1 large structure divided into 2 sections. We need appropriate clearance for other activities adjacent to it. Cm. Burton expressed concern in that any equipment inside could be stolen. Margie Wong-Gilmore advised that they do not plan to have any equipment in the cages themselves. They purchased a couple of new pitching machines last year and part of the reason for doing this is so that the whole league can get the benefit of using the equipment. CNA is their insurance carrier and she believed they are covered for up to $1 million. Cm. Burton asked if there was any ending to this. If for some reason, DLL were to go out of business or the facility gets ratty, what happens? Ms. Wong-Gilmore advised that there is no intent to do this. It is made of cyclone fencing and it should withstand weather. It will be similar to what schools use. MSo Lowart stated there is a provision in the agreement for it to be removed if it doesn't Work out. Cm. Houston advised that after a few years, cyclone type fences that are constantly being hit on with balls start to show their age. It is a slow process, however, so they will see it coming. Ms. Wong-Gilmore stated they want it to be safe for the children to use. If there are holes, or things sticking out, then it's time for them to fix it. They will be responsible. On motion of Cm. Houstonv seconded by Cm. Burton, and by unanimous vote, the Council approved the request to build batting cages, and the request for exclusive use of the batting cages and authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement. PUBLIC HEARING - ADOPTING COMPLIANCE REGULATIONS CABLE TELEVISION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT OF 1992 (1050-20) Mayor Snyder opened the public hearing. Assistant City Manager Rankin stated this ordinance was introduced at the February 14th Council meeting. This ordinance would adopt detailed FCC regulations, including customer service standards by reference. The Cable Television COnsumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 was enacted by Congress and allows cable systems not subject to effective competition to be regulated by franchising authorities such as cities. Rates for premium channels and pay-per- view channels are not regulated, but rates for all other cable programming are subject to regulation by the FCC. *@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ CM- VOL ~ - 5~ Re~lar Meeting Februar~ 28, 1994 Mr. Rankin advised that there will be a cost for review of the cable operator's rate application which depends on the scope of the rate application and is therefore unknown at this time. The cost will be split between the Cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon. Cm. Burton laughingly asked if rates will go up as a result of our trying to lower them. No testimony was given by any member of the public relative to this issue. Mayor Snyder closed the public hearing. On motion of Cm. Moffatt, seconded by Cm. Burton, and by unanimous vote, the Council waived the reading and adopted ORDINANCE NO. 3 - 94 AMENDING DUBLIN MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 3.20 (CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE) TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGULATION OF BASIC SERVICE TIER RATES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT, INSTALLATIONS AND SERVICE CHARGES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS OF ANY CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM OPERATING IN THE CITY OF DUBLIN and directed Staff to notify Viacom Cablevision of the City's adoption of theSe regulations. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE INCREASING CITY COUNCIL SALARIES (700-20) Mayor Snyder opened the public hearingo City Clerk Kay Keck presented the Staff RepOrt and advised that in accordance with State Law, and the City's Municipal Code, the Council may consider increasing City Council salaries by 5% per calendar year. A 5% adjustment for calendar year 1994 would increase Council salaries by $20 per month from $402 to $422 per month. The Mayor receives an additional $100 per month. This increase would not become effective, however, until after the November 1994 election. Ms. Keck advised that the last adjustment to Council salaries was approved in May, 1991~ and became effective following the November 1992 election. There were no Council salary increases approved for calendar years 1992 or 1993. Cm. Moffatt asked if the 5% would apply to the Mayor's stipend. Ms. Keck responded that the 5% would apply to the Council's salary and whatever this figure is, the $100 is in addition to that amount. The $100 is established by Ordinance and would not increase by 5%. Cm. Moffatt asked if it would be appropriate to put in a motion to raise the Mayor's salary. ,@,@,@,@,@,@,@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ CM - VOL 13 - 52 Regular Meeting February 28, 1994 Staff responded that would be a separate issue and not appropriate at this time. No testimony was given by.any member of the public on this issue. Mayor Snyder closed the public hearing. Cm. Houston stated he felt this was not something that should be considered at this time, nor was investigating raising the Mayor's salary appropriate at this time. Cm. Moffatt pointed out what they are talking about is actually a 1.66% raise, or 5% over the last 3 years. By keeping salaries or the stipend of the City Council at a low rate, when you consider that most everyone puts in about a 40 hour week, this is less than $2 per hour. Another Point was that with this low stipend, with the upcoming election and presuming the cost of election for a candidate to be between $5,000 and $10,000, you would have to work 2 to 3 years just to get this money back. He stated he had read in the newspaper that this is already a done deal, but he just wanted to make his comments. Mayor Snyder stated this obviously Could be used for political expediencY this year. He was personally in favor of the Council addressing this every 2 years as is allowed. He was not thinking of those currently on the CounCil, as the city must go through an election for this to become effective. He felt the amount the Council is paid is a very minor amount considering the hours required. He was in favor of this while he recognized that there wasn't much chance of that happening. He would defend his position in any pOlitical situation relative to that~ Cm. Burton stated he agreed that there is no question that this job doesn't pay for itself. Their salary could be doubled and it still wouldn't pay. That~ however, is not why they are serving. It is unfortunate that some people who can't afford the time can't serve. On motion of Cm. Houston, seconded by Cm. Burton, and by majority vote, the Council agreed to take no action and to keep salaries where they are for the Council. Cm. Moffatt and Mayor Snyder voted against this motion. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFT TO CITY (150-70) Chief of Police Rose advised that the Dublin-San Ramon Lions Club has donated 3 mountain bikes to the City to be uSed for law enforcement and communitY service in the City of Dublin. Cm. Moffatt announced that since he is on the Board of the Dublin-San Ramon LiOns Club, he would not participate in the discussion and/or vote on this issue. Cm. Burton stated as a member of the Rotary, he was really impressed, and he gave them credit for coming up with this excellent idea. *@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ CM - VOL 13 - 53 Regular Meeting February 28, 1994 Cm. Houston stated this is also something important with the new concept of law enforcement, so it is really on the cutting edge. Mayor Snyder stated he was particularly pleased with this action. It has been a long time in coming. Lions Clubs in general are under a terrific amount of pressure worldwide to raise funds of $135 million for the "Sight First" project° Their action shows, however, that your first allegiance is to your community. You're raising the money locallyf and it really should come back into the community. He gave a lot of the credit to Bob Trimble, for hanging in there. Danny Raymond, President this year of the Lions Club was present in the audience. Bob Trimble stated he always brings Lions Club applications with him if Cm. Burton were interested° The Lions are so involved with helping the blind and handicapped, he was trying to think of hoW this relates to police services. Part of their motto is, "our nation's safety", and they are very concerned about this. They are also concerned about the community and in helping our Police Department. It's fun to see the officers around town on bicycles. He is also talking with Chief Rose and Sgto Chavarria to see if they.can get the bikes on patrol at the Lions Club St. Patrick's Day parade. They've assured him that this will happen° Cm. Houston asked how they decided on mountain bikes. This was very innovative. Mr. Trimble stated they have quite a few community leaders in their club and they asked people to come forward with the needs out in the community. One person associated with the Police Department told them they had Police Patrol out on borrowed and battered bicycles taken out of lost and found. Credit should also be given to Dublin Cyclery because they basically gave them the bikes at cost. On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Houston, and by unanimous vote (Cm. Moffatt abstained), the Council accepted the gift and directed Staff to prepare a formal acknowledgment to the donors. Chief Rose stated he wanted to thank each and every member of the . Lions Club for doing this. They will definitely put the bikes to good use. He also thanked Danny Raymond and Bob Trimble for their help with this project which benefits the entire community and also for being present tonight. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS TO CITY (150-70) Recreation Director Lowart advised that two belt sanders valued at $185 have been donated by Mrs. Setsuko Nakazawa to the Senior Center Wood Shop program and a stainless steel serving cart valued at about $500 has been donated by the Women's Club of Dublin for use by groups utilizing the Shannon Community Center. ,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,@,~,@,@,@,~,@,@,@,@,@,@ CM - VOL 13 - 54 Regular Meeting February 28, 1994 Cm. Burton expressed his pleasure that this excellent program is progressing with the seniors° Most all of the equipment used in the Senior Center Wood Shop program and for crafts is donated and this is marvelous° On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Moffatt, and by unanimous vote, the Council accepted the gifts and directed Staff to prepare a formal acknowledgment to the donors. DESIGNATION OF ONE COUNCIL SEAT IN NOVEMBER 1994 ELECTION TO A 2-YEAR TER~ (630-10) City Clerk Kay Keck presented the Staff Report and~explained that State Law provides that if an unequal staggering of Council terms occurs as a result of a City directly electing its Mayor, the City Council may~ on a one-time only basis designate one of the Council offices appearing on the ballot to serve a 2-year term, or the Council may declare that the person elected who receives the least number of votes shall serve a 2-year rather than 4-year Council term. This determination must be made any time prior to the first day for candidates to take out nomination papers which will be July 18, 1994. Ms. Keck explained that if the first option is selected, the 2-year office would have to be listed separately on the ballot and candidates would have to state whether they were running for the 2-year or the 4- year Council term° However, a simpler and more efficient way to handle this would be for the Council to declare that the person elected who receives the least number of votes shall serve a 2-year term. This would establish an equal staggering of terms in subsequent elections and would mean that at every election in the future, there would be 2 Councilmembers and 1 Mayor elected. Ms. Keck stated a motion providing direction to Staff would be appropriate. Mayor Snyder pointed out that we went through the very same thing in 1984 when we had our first election after incorporation. The staggered rotation was established at that time. Cm. Burton stated he favored the second option so that everyone would be running for the same office and then whoever came in third would get the 2-year term. On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. HoWard, and by unanimous vote, the Council determined that the person who receives the least number of votes of those elected to the Council in November 1994 shall serve a 2-year term° *@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ CM - VOL 13 - 55 Regular Meeting February 9_8, 1994 UPDATE OF BART EXTENSION PROGRESS (L060-30) Public Works Director Thompson gave an overview of the report prepared and indicated that the Dublin/Pleasanton BART extension has been progressing for several years. The design of the station parking lots are now nearing completion, with a goal to open service to Dublin by the end of 1995. The latest parking lot configuration calls for 2,641 parking spaces. The BART environmental document had estimated the need for 3,000 parking spaces at the East Dublin/Pleasanton Station in the Year 2010 if there was a second Dublin/Pleasanton station and 3v500 spaces if the East Station was a single end-of-the-line station. It appears that BART is utilizing the maximum land area available to them at this time for parking and is designing for the estimated parking needs for the Year 2000. Chuck Middlebrook indicated that it had been about a year since he was last heree It had been a fast year. A lot has happened with BART, particularly with the station contracte He has been working on the station and the parking lot projects. Bids will be opened in about 2 months. They are hoping to award contract by Fall. Twelve acres were purchased on the south side and Alameda County is providing 15 acres on the north sidee The EIR shows parking spaces ranging from 2,500 to 3,500, depending on whether there is a west station. Cm. Houston asked if there are additional provisions for more land. Mr. Middlebrook responded that there isn't at this time. Marv Delander advised that there are some things that they can dOe They have enough spaces to keep them going for the first 5 years. They have the ability to negotiate with the County to get more land that the County will get from the Federal Government. There isalso the possibility of parking garagese They have a lot of options open to them. They do not Plan to build something that doesn't meet needs. They don't want to build something that has a problem to begin with. Cm. Houston indicated that it appears that not everyone likes parking. Mr. Delander stated, yes he had heard about this. Cm. Burton asked if there would be any access from Scarlett Court. Mr. Middlebrook stated there was none planned at this point. BART doesn't own any property there. It could happen in the future, however° Cm. Burton commented that in trying to read Director Sherman Lewis' dissertation, he got a little lost with regard to the 15 acres going to BART and then the County was going to get 35 acres. ,@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ CM- VOL X3 - 56 Re~lar Meeting Februar~ ZS, 1994 Mr. Ambrose stated actually the County will be getting 47 acres; 12 will come to the City of Dublin for the Dublin Boulevard extension and some 15 will go to BART. This would leave the County with 20 acres. Mro Middlebrook explained that there will be mid-day parking, long- term parking, parking for motorcycles, the handicapped, and a supervisors parking area where staff will report in, etc. They also will have "kiss & ride" drop off facilities, in addition to bus parking, drop off and pick up areas. They sent the drawings out tonight for printing and they hope to get the parking lot finished by the end of this fiscal year° Cmo Burton questioned how far past the station the track will go for the turnaround. Mr. Middlebrook stated it would be about 2,500 feet beyond the station or just past Tassajara Creek. Mr. Delander indicated that all the trains that come from the Valley will go to at least downtown Oakland for transferring. During rush hours, they will go wherever they are needed. Cm° Moffatt asked about the use of transit link passes~ Mr. Delander advised that they are working on this with various operators. He felt it is almost a done deal. The Council thanked the BART representatives for their presentation. INITIATION OF STUDY FOR THE REALIGNMENT OF RIGHT-OF-WAy LINES FOR THE ROAD PARALLEL TO & SOUTH OF DUBLIN BOULEVARD BETWEEN GOLDEN GATE DRIVE & REGIONAL STREET (8Z0-90) Public Works Director Thompson advised that the new ownership of the Orchard Supply Hardware Shopping Center and the Unisource building parcel are in the process of leasing several tenant spaces within the shopping center and have the need to allow for construction of loading docks at the rear of the center. Some of these loading docks would fall within the adopted right-of-way for the future parallel road extension for hook ramps off 1-680. Mr° Thompson advised that a request is being made to study a realignment away from the shopping center toward the warehouse° The owners of Orchard Supply Shopping Center will have their consultant prepare the plan and description. Costs for Staff time would be incurred to process the study through the Planning Commission and City Council hearings. Cm. Moffatt felt this was a good idea and a way to show we are interested in working with owners of businesses here in Dublin. *@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ CM - VOL ~3 - 57 Regular Meeting February 28, 1994 On motion of Cmo Moffatt, seconded by Cm. Howard, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. 23 - 94 INITIATING A RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE REALIGNMENT STUDY FOR THE PARALLEL ROAD SOUTH OF DUBLIN BOULEVARD (BETWEEN GOLDEN GATE DRIVE AND REGIONAL STREET) CONSIDERATION OF LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES (LOCC) COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOV~RNI4_~NT REFORM RECOMMENDATIONS (140-20) Assistant to the City Manager TeXeira presented the Staff Report and advised that the upcoming 1994 legislative session marks the fourth consecutive year that the State of California has faced substantial budget deficits. California's recent economic downturn, coupled with the preexisting fiscal conditions faced by the state have prompted the elected leadership of California, both at the local and state levels, to make serious inquiries into the governmental structure, its finances and the public services delivered. In an effort to address this programs the LOCC has developed a number of short and long-term financial reform measures. MS. Texeira reviewed the lengthY report and summarized that Staff concurs that a major restructuring of all leVels of government is necessary if the best interests of the public are to be served. The report contained a number of recommendations which will impact nearly every area of city government, ranging from issuing permits, regulating franchise fees and CEQA reform to revising the current taxing system, benefit assessment reform and consolidation of the justice system° Ms. Texeira pointed out that the report is.a working document and is currently undergoing modifications. City Staff will continue to monitor the progress and will continue to keep the City Council informed of changes. Cm. Moffatt stated this document is a recommendation of the Committee on Local Government Reform and it is subject to change as it is a working document. The East Bay Division has asked that everyone bring this document back to their City Councils and any recommended changes can be discussed. There really isn't any big rush to do this, but if there are areas that we feel are not addressed, we should comment. Cm. Burton commented that with regard to local government, he generally agreed with most of the attempts to clear up the issues. There were a couple of things he felt uncomfortable with, however. Paragraph 5.b. of the Staff Report stated each level of government should have control over its own revenue raising authority. Local government bodies should have the authority to increase revenues without a vote of the people. He did not support this concept and felt this is out of the question. ,@,@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@*@ CM - VOL 13 - 58 Regular Meeting February ZS, 1994 cm. Moffatt asked if he felt assessment district revenue increases to cover costs should be voted on. Cm. Houston referenced a proposal that Assemblyman Rainey is working on whereby things can go up with a cap of 2 or 2½%; otherwise it must be voted on by the people. This makes sense. Cm. Burton referenced Page 3 of the LOCC Recommendations Report related to modification of the super-majority vote requirement for General Obligation Bonds to either a majority vote or a reasonable vote threshold less than the current 2/3 requirement. He felt the 2/3 requirement serves well and will continue to serve well if we keep it. He discussed a notice he had received from the LARPD stating that unless they get a 50% protest against an assessment, it will go through. He resented the implication of what they are trying to do on this. We should be carefUl about giving in to a simple majority, but it could be less than the 2/3 possibly. Cm. Moffatt stated many folks feel this allows the minority to confirm the majority. Cm. Burton stated he sees the demographics changing. A lot of people don't make much of a contribution and don't own property. Cm. Houston suggested that the comments be put in writing and given to Cm. Moffatt. Mayor Snyder stated ABAG is developing a paper that will be done somewhere near March 17th. This will be available by April for cities to deal with. Cm. Burton stated he will feed him his thoughts and Cm. Moffatt can go and make a report to the .East Bay Division of the League. Mr. Ambrose stated Page 4, 2.f., more restrictions on cities annexing land with only major retail areas, i.e., big box retailers, could be a problem for Dublin. This is a fairly general statement but it could have an impact. Cm. Burton indicated that the report also talks about ways of changing how taxes are distributed. OTHER BUSINESS Upcoming Meeting Reminders (610-05) Mr. Ambrose reminded the Council of upcoming meetings. The DRFA Board will meet at 6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, March 1st, just prior to the City's Goals & Objectives meeting. A budget study session is scheduled for Wednesday evening, March 2nd at 7:30 p.m. On March 8th, the City & school district liaison committee will meet at 3:30 p.m. Cm.'s Houston and Howard serve on this liaison committee. CM - VOL ~ - 59 Re~lar Meeting Februar~ 28, 1994 Cm. Burton asked if those that were planning to attend the meeting on Reinventing Government on March 7th in Fremont were going to carpOol. Mr. Ambrose stated they should meet at the Civic Center at 2:45 p.m. New Brown Act Procedures (610-20). Cm. Moffatt advised that the new Brown Act goes into effect on April lst~ He asked if Staff would be doing some kind of a report to the Council on what this will mean for the City of Dublin° Mr. Ambrose stated a report will be presented at the March 14th City Council meeting. Chamber of Commerce Bowlinq Tournament (130-30) Cm. Burton invited everyone to a bowling tournament on Sunday, March 6th to watch the Chamber of Commerce bowling team. CLOSED SESSION At 9:15 p.m., the Council recessed to a closed session. Although 3 items were noticed for discussion, Mayor Snyder announced that the first 2 were cancelled. These were: 1) Dublin vs. Pleasanton~ Case No. V-007073-9~ 2) Butler vs. City of Dublin, San Mateo County Case No. 385533° The Council, therefore, only discussed Pending LitigatiOn in accordance with Government Code Section 54956.9(a) Brown vs. City of Dublin. ~DJOURN~ENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 pom. ~C~y dle~k CM - VOL 13 - 60 Regular Meeting February 28, 1994