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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-26-1993 Adopted CC MinutesREGULAR MEETING - April 26, 1993 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Dublin was held on Monday, April 26, 1993, 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: Councilmembers Burton, Houston, Howard, Moffatt and Mayor Snyder. ABSENT: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (610-20) Mayor Snyder led the Council, Staff and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. * * * CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD FOR MAY (150-90) City Manager Ambrose stated the May Customer Service Award will be presented to Michelle Wierschem, Recreation Coordinator. Unfortunately, Michelle was ill and unable to attend the Council meeting. * * * * CLEAN SWEEP AWARD (150-80) Roger Grossman, with the Tri-Valley Herald newspaper presented the Clean Sweep Award to Sister Marie Myers. Sister Marie said it had been a great pleasure for her to work in the City of Dublin. She came here 7 years ago to open St. Raymond's School. Dublin residents receive so many services that she is not used to. The Police and Fire Departments interact very nicely with the school children. She tries to promote some type of responsibility for our City. It's important,, because youngsters will be the future of tomorrow. She stated the award is for everyone who worked so hard. Mayor Snyder stated it had particularly struck him this year that we are really making progress in instilling pride in the students. 'CONSENT CALENDAR On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Houston, and by unanimous vote, the Council took the following actions: Approved Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 12, 1993 (Cm. Moffatt abstained); Authorized Staff to issue an RFP for janitorial services for City facilities (200-20); CM - VOL 12 - 157 Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 Authorized Staff to advertise Contract 93-06 Annual Slurry Seal Program, for bids (600-30); Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 40 - 93 AUTHORIZING NOTICE OF ADVANCED MATURITY ON SAN RAMON ROAD SPECIFIC PLAN IMPROVEMENT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT BONDS (360-40) Adopted RESOLUTION NO. 41 - 93 AWARDING CONTRACT 93-03, 1992-93 ANNUAL SIDEWALK SAFETY REPAIR PROGRAM TO AMBO ENGINEERING, INC. $24,831.66 (600-30) and authorized Staff to increase the scope of work to level of budgeted funds and authorized the Mayor to execute the agreement; Approved Warrant Register in the amount of $663,940.03 (300-40); Authorized Staff to advertise Contract 93-07 for bids, Sidewalk Safety Repair-Grinding (600-30). * * * PUBLIC HEARING ADOPTION OF NEW FEE SCHEDULE FOR BUILDING PERMITS (440-20) Mayor Snyder opened the public hearing. Chief Building Official Taugher presented the Staff Report and advised that the City of Dublin is using the building permit fee schedule originally adopted by Alameda County in 1981. Staff proposes to increase the fee schedule and revise it to simplify administrative work. A chart was prepared and included with the Staff RepOrt comparing Dublin's existing and proposed new fees with those of Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon.. For the examples shown, the cost of obtaining a building permit in Dublin would still be lower than obtaining the same permit in adjacent cities. Mr. Taugher explained that the proposed fee schedule: 1) increases the minimum fee from $20 to $40; 2) eliminates the energy surcharge; 3) establishes a fee for all permits based on valuation, except minor work in single-family dwellings. Staff proposed to include the 25% energy surcharge in the permit fee. A copy of the proposed fee schedules were sent to the Building Industry Association. Mr. Taugher reiterated the fact that this is'the first fee increase in 10 years. Rex Wisdan with the Rental Housing Association expressed his concern over general rises in taxes and fees. He questioned how apartments would be treated with regard to any increased fees. CM - VOL Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 Mr. Taugher used reroofing as an example and advised that the cost would be based on the value of the work, i.e., the cost of the contract to do the work. Mr. Wisdan stated even though Dublin is comparing itself with other cities, some of them are going crazy. He felt that people won't be taking out permits, so the City will end up worse off by raising the fees. The difference is only $25,000, so the City should keep their current fees. Mayor Snyder advised that for all the past years, the City has been subsidizing these fees. Mr. Wisdan stated he felt the costs should be brought down. Mr. Ambrose clarified that what he was comparing the differences to is just the direct costs, and which did not include the City's general overhead. Mayor Snyder closed the public hearing. Cm. Burton stated everyone was in sympathy with Mr. Wisdan, but if he had attended the Council meetings a couple of months ago, he would be aware that the Council is trying very hard to balance the budget. In doing so, someone is going to get hurt. The amounts need to be spread around. It won't be a major increase to the people taking out permits. Cm. Moffatt pointed out that in taking a look at our neighboring cities, Dublin is still the best buy on the block. We have to look at what the area is doing and have to be able to meet the standards of the area. On motion of Cm. Moffatt, seconded by Cm. Burton, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. 42 - 93 ADOPTING A FEE SCHEDULE FOR BUILDING REGULATION PERMITS PUBLIC .HEARING - NO PARKING ZONE ON CHABOT ROAD (NEW STREET PARALLEL TO CHABOT CHANNEL BETWEEN SCARLETT COURT & DUBLIN BOULEVARD EXTENSION) (570-20) Mayor Snyder opened the public hearing. Public Works Director Thompson stated "Chabot Road" is the current, unofficial designation for the new street that was constructed along the west side of the Chabot Channel between Scarlett Court and the Dublin Boulevard Extension. The street is 28' wide, which is insufficient to allow both 2-way traffic and on-street parking. Staff CM- VOL 12 - 159 Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 therefore recommended that parking be prohibited on both sides of the street. Mr. Thompson explained that when the parcel on the east side of Chabot Channel develops, it is anticipated that a roadway will be dedicated and constructed along the east side of the channel so that each direction of travel will have its own roadway. At that time, parking would be allowed, as sufficient roadway width should be available. No comments were made by members of the public relative to this issue. Mayor Snyder closed the public hearing. On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Moffatt, and by unanimous vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. 43 - 93 ESTABLISHING A NO PARKING ZONE ON THE EAST'AND WEST SIDES OF "CHABOT ROAD" (ROADWAY PARALLEL TO CHABOT CHANNEL BETWEEN SCARLETT COURT AND DUBLIN BOULEVARD) Mayor Snyder asked when the other side of the street would be available for circulation. Mr. Thompson responded when the other properties are developed, and there is no telling when that will be. PUBLIC HEARING ADOPTION OF NEW FEES RELATED TO POLICE SERVICE ACTIVITIES (580-20) Mayor Snyder opened the public hearing. Chief Rose presented the Staff Report and advised that 3 service areas had been identified which require labor intensive effort on the part of Police personnel and for which no fees are charged. These areas include: 1) a criminal background check fee; 2) a towed and stored vehicle release fee; and 3) a fix-it ticket sign-off fee. Chief Rose explained that Staff recommended implementation of: Criminal Background Check Fee - $12.50 per name; Towed and Stored Vehicle Release Fee - $25 per vehicle release; Fix-It Ticket Sign-Off - $15 per citation. Charging fees for these services will generate annual revenue of approximately $9,275 to $14,800. Cm. Burton questioned how we will collect the background check fee from another governmental agency. Chief Rose advised that they would perform the background check and then tell them they must send a letter or they could come in and pick it up. They would be able to come to the counter and show proper · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · CM - VOL 12 - 160 Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 identification, go to the Finance Department and pay, and then return with their receipt to get their report. Cm. Burton stated with regard to fix-it tickets, a lot of times people stop an officer on the street and ask them to sign off on a ticket. Chief Rose stated in this case, we will have to establish a schedule for certain hours of the day and certain days of the week when tickets can be signed off at the Police station. Cm. Houston stated he felt that this one seems more of a hassle than it's worth to implement. Cm. Burton stated it may force people to go to Pleasanton, where they don't Currently charge anything. Chief Rose indicated that this is something that was reviewed at the direction of the Council. It does take manpower for an officer to perform this service. Patricia Jacobas, reporter for the Tri-Valley Herald asked if the towed vehicles can be auctioned that are junk. Chief Rose advised that they are auctioned by the tow companies. Dan Downey, Canterbury Lane stated he agreed that the fix-it ticket sign offs seem to be a nickel and dime operation. He recently had a tail light go out and after you fix it, you have to find an officer. You may then have to pay a fee for processing the paperwork. This may not be a good way to derive income as far as the City is concerned. He did not think the DMV charges anything to look at a fix-it ticket. It might be good for only people out of the City to be charged. Chief Rose stated the way it is written, any citations that are issued in Dublin would not be subject to this fee. This was previously discussed and cleared with the City Attorney. Mayor Snyder stated he felt this was reasonable. Mr. Rankin advised that of the $10 fee, one half goes to the State of California. Mayor Snyder closed the public hearing. Chief Rose clarified that anyone who is cited by Dublin Police Services and who gets it corrected and signed off by DPS will not be charged the fee. Dublin residents would not be specifically exempt. Cm. Moffatt stated it takes time to take care of these things. He assumed that they will no longer be able to run down an officer to take care of it. Chief Rose advised that they could contact an officer on the street, but they would still have to come to the station. CM - VOL 12 - 161 Regular Meeting &pti1 26, 1993 Cm. Moffatt stated he felt it would be a good idea to have a published time when people could get these things taken care of. Cm. Burton requested that the Council vote on each fee separately. Cm. Burton made a motion to approve the fees for the background check and the towed & stored vehicles, but not the fix-it ticket sign-off fee. There was no second to this motion. Cm. Houston made a motion which was seconded by Cm. Howard to approve the background check fee and the towed & stored vehicle fee, and to exempt Dublin residents from the fix-it ticket sign-off fee. Residents from other cities would be charged. Following discussion, this motion was defeated due to NO votes cast by Mayor Snyder and Councilmembers Burton, Howard and Moffatt. Mayor Snyder stated he did not agree with exempting Dublin residents. We get nothing, but we still provide the service. Cm. Moffatt stated he felt because there is no such thing as a free lunch, there should be no free tickets. Cm. HOuston felt it will be more trouble than it is worth. Having a fee might chase people to other areas. Mayor Snyder said he had no problem with people going elsewhere. and more we are running into situations where we cannot cover our costs. More On motion of Cm. Moffatt, seconded by Cm. Howard, and by majority vote, the Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. 44 - 93 AMENDING EXHIBIT i (POLICE SERVICES FEES) OF RESOLUTION NO. 96-84 ADOPTING FEES FOR CERTAIN MUNICIPAL SERVICES Cm. Houston voted against this motion. * * , , PUBLIC HEARING REVISION TO FEE SCHEDULE FOR ENCROACHMENT PERMITS (820-55) Mayor Snyder opened the public hearing. Public Works Director Thompson presented the Staff Report and advised that the City has not increased the fees for encroachment permits since the fee schedule was established in 1984. The existing fees do not cover the City's cost for administration and inspection of work. Mr. Thompson discusSed the: Basic Permit Fee; Plan Checking Fee; Facility Marking Fee; Resurfacing Surcharge; Inspection Fees; Oversize Vehicle Permits; San Ramon Road Banner Poles; PossibilitY of Fee Reduction or Waiver; and Bond Schedule. · · · · · · · · · [] · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 Mr. Thompson advised that based on the proposed fee schedule, the estimated revenue from encroachment permits would be increased to approximately $17,500 from the previous amount of approximately $7,000. Cm. Moffatt asked if the City mandates the repair, such as to fix a sidewalk, does this have to have a fee or can it be waived. Mr. Thompson advised that a provision has been included that the City Council may waive fees. If a person voluntarily does it, we may want to look at waiving the fee. Cm. Moffatt felt that with federal mandates and state mandates, perhaps the City is where the buck should stop. If we mandate something, we should absorb the fee. Steve Debacher with PG&E stated they would like to request a continuance. He used an example of work being done on Village Parkway. The new amount would be 6 or 7 times the amount of the original fee. The increase seems to be substantial and they would like more time to review this. Cm. Burton questioned what input the field had on these schedules. asked how Staff arrived at the fees in relationship to what the industry is using. He Mr. Thompson stated what PG&E does is pass any fees onto the ratepayers. Staff tried to see what the program costs per year. are subsidizing it quite a bit. We are not covering our costs. We Mr. Ambrose advised that there is currently a Viacom project being done in the City. He has signed many Staff inspection overtime requests because they prefer to do the work on weekends when traffic and activity is less. We are subsidizing some of the utility companies. We have situations where we are stopping traffic along Dublin Boulevard. We are collecting a minimal amount of encroachment fees. Cm. Burton felt the City Council was not qualified to look at these and determine if this is appropriate. The fact that PG&E received a short notice should be a good reason for continuance. He questioned how this would impact the City's time schedule. Mr. Ambrose stated there should be no problem if the Council wished to continue this to the next Council meeting. Dave Frances, Public Works Coordinator for Pacific Bell also requested that this item be continued. They received their notification this afternoon. Mayor Snyder closed the. public hearing. Cm. HoUston asked if there was any type of study done comparing ourselves to other cities. CM - VOL 12 - 163 Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 Mr. Thompson stated we are probably ahead of Pleasanton and San Ramon. Cm. Burton stated he would like to hear from the industry. On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Houston, and by unanimous vote, the Council agreed to continue this item to the May 10th City Council meeting. COLLECTION OF BASIC GARBAGE SERVICE (810-30) Assistant City Manager Rankin presented the Staff Report and advised that at previous.City Council meetings, the Council has held public hearings on the establishment of an administrative fee for the imposition of liens pursuant to the Mandatory Garbage Ordinance. In January, 1993, the Council directed Staff to implement a system by which residents would be charged for basic garbage service on their property tax bill. Mr. Rankin explained that the impact on residential customers will vary depending on the level of service received. Customers who currently have the typical 1-can service would no longer be required to pay Livermore-Dublin Disposal on a quarterly basis. If a customer has a higher level of service such as 2 cans, they would still be charged for the basic service level on their property taxes and charges for the additional service would be billed by LDD directly on a quarterly basis. Mr. Rankin stated the cost of basic service under this program continues to be very competitive. LDD provides weekly collection and disposal as required by City Ordinances. The minimum charge at the Pleasanton Transfer Station for Dublin residents is $10 per visit. Residents receiving backyard service once a week receive a higher level of service for one-half the cost than to dispose of the waste themselves. Mr. Rankin discussed the 7 required steps involved in the process to place the first can of garbage service, curbside recycling and the 4 special clean-ups on the property tax bill. Annual payment under the current service method, adjusted for inflation would be $98.22, compared to $109.68 using the assessment service method. Cm. Moffatt asked if this would mean that vacant properties would no longer have an exemption. Mr. Rankin stated currently there is a process whereby property that does not generate waste can be exempted. If you have paid for the service on your property tax bill, however, it doesn't matter if it is vacant. Staff would no longer need to process any exemptions. Cm. Moffatt felt we could reduce costs by going to a streetside automatic system. He asked if this was a possibility or just a dream. · · [] · [] · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · [] · I CM - VOL 12 - 164 Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 Mr. Rankin stated this would be a possibility. Consultants have said this should reduce costs. When our franchise is up for renewal, this could be reviewed. Cm. Moffatt asked about just going to a streetside pickup, not automated. Mr. Rankin advised that several years ago when they looked at this, there was a small savings. Dan Borges with LDD advised that he did not know off-hand what the savings would be but stated he could look into this. Max Benhamou stated he went to the'Pleasanton Dump yesterday and advised that they do not charge a minimum $10 fee. He took a pickup truck full and only paid $9 for the whole thing. He had over 2 cubic yards. If they put on a minimum, they would not see anyone there. They would have no business. Cm. Burton expressed concern that the garbage fee keeps climbing and gets higher and higher. We are now talking about $9.34 per month. Mayor Snyder stated he thought it will continue to climb. Cm. Moffatt questioned the possibility of going with a minimum fee and then the garbage company could charge the rest on a monthly basis, less this fee. Mayor Snyder stated the rate is basically a 1-can service and if you use more, you pay for it. The majority of the customers have 1-can or 2-can service. Mr. Rankin stated Staff could look at this and present it as an option at the public hearing. He thought the difference would be about $2.50 lower per month. 44% of customers have 1-can service. We could use the super recycler rate as a base rather than the 32 gallon can. Mayor Snyder stated he thought we were trying to spread the costs evenly to everyone. The base figure should be the 32 gallon can because this is the standard can. Cm. Houston stated he felt the Union City plan should be implemented. We should not mess around with the super recycler. A 32 gallon can should be used, and the City can be done with this. The 4 special pickups are also important. On motion of Cm. Houston, seconded by Cm. Burton, and by unanimous vote, the Council directed Staff to provide public notice and to bring back the necessary resolutions to implement a system by which residents would be charged for basic garbage service on their property tax bill. CM - VOL 12 - 165 Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 FISCAL YEAR 1993-94 REVENUE OPTIONS STATUS REPORT (330-20) City Manager Ambrose advised that the Council previously directed Staff to pursue the implementation of a number of revenue enhancements in order to balance the 1993-94 FY Budget. A status on the various options was contained in the Staff Report. Mr. Ambrose stated Staff needed further clarification regarding the Council's intention regarding the implementation timing for the Citywide Street Lighting and Landscape Assessment District and the Real Documentary Transfer Tax. Mr. Ambrose advised that every single property owner in the City has to be notified regarding the assessment district, we must also notify Alameda County by the third week of August. Staff would therefore need to come to the City Council on May 10th. Mr. Ambrose advised that with regard to the real property tax, one case in the City of Los Angeles was resolved in favor of the City. should, however, wait until the second case is settled before we proceed. We Cm. Moffatt stated he would prefer to wait on the real property tax to see how this is settled. The assessment district, however, is something that the City Council realistically has to look at and he felt they should go forward on it. Cm. Houston suggested tabling the street lighting and landscaping and stated he agreed with waiting on the real property tax issue to be settled. Mayor Snyder stated he thought the real property tax could be adopted at any.time during the year. Ms. Silver advised that this was correct. Cm. Moffatt said in the future if we feel we don't need this $18 fee, we can always cut it back. It is rather prudent to look at this this year. Costs are going up and we certainly need this money for maintenance. He asked if there would be any advantage to splitting these and making them different assessment areas, or if they should be put all into one assessment district. Mr. Ambrose stated we have $280,000 in General Fund money that could be lost if there is a sufficient protest. It is somewhat ironic that we could save some assessment district costs if they are combined, but we risk losing a substantial amount of revenues. Cm. Burton stated he felt it is pretty obvious that the City has done a lot of landscaping. He did not feel that $18 would be a burden for residents. We should keep it in and process it for FY 1993-94, irrespective of the Governor's Budget. We know we are in trouble, no matter what Sacramento does. He felt the people would be willing to accept this. nn n nn n n n n n n nn nnn n n n nnn n n n n n n n n n n n n n CM - VOL 12 - 166 Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 Mr. Ambrose stated it is obvious that all the items covered under this are more than $18. On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Cm. Moffatt, and by majority vote, the Council directed Staff to prepare the necessary documents to move forward with the assessment district for the May 10th meeting, and to table the documentary transfer tax until we have some indication of the adjudication. Cm. Houston voted against this motion. POTENTIAL CIVIC CENTER OFFICE LEASE FOR ASSEMBLYMEMBER R~INEY (600-20) Cm. Houston stated he had received an indication of interest from AssemblYman Richard Rainey, 15th District, about the possibility of locating an office in the Civic Center. We have a prime location in the Tri-Valley area and he would like a similar arrangement as CongreSsman Baker. As indicated in the Staff Report, there may be impacts on City operations, depending on the scope of activity for the office, as well as the size and how this relates to current City operations. Cm. Houston stated they would be here only 2 or 3 days per month. He would offer the use of his office if no other space is available. He has not, nor does he intend to move into the office. Cm. Burton questioned the space availability.. Mr. Ambrose stated Staff would want to talk with a representative from AssemblYman Rainey's office to see what their needs are. Aside from the Council designated offices, we do not have any private offices available. There is, however, an area close to the downstairs Community Development area which could be fairly simply adapted for his use. Cm. Burton questioned the possibility of Councilmembers doubling up in their offices. Mayor Snyder advised that this would be a Council policy. Mr. Rankin reminded the Council that they asked Staff to report back after 6 months regarding their concerns related to the low rate being charged to Baker. Mayor Snyder stated there has been no direct Staff communication with Rainey's office. He was advised that they would use the office 3 to 4 hours a week twice a month. He thought Staff should discuss utilizing the space in the Planning area. They do want a telephone and a place for an answering machine. Cm. Burton stated he liked the idea of Dublin being the hub of power for government services. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · CM - VOL 12 - 167 Regular Meeting &pti1 26, 1993 Cm. Houston felt this would be a real asset to us. By a Council consensus, Staff was directed to contact them to find out exactly what their needs are. SENATE BILL 1250 PROVISION OF WATER (BOATWRIGHT 660-40) Assistant City Manager Rankin presented the Staff Report and advised that SB 1250 would require any special district to provide water services to an area designated for urban growth, as defined, when the applicable local agency formation commission has included that area within the special district's boundaries. In Dublin, the bill would mandate that DSRSD provide water services to areas which come under their jurisdiction. (Currently, DSRSD has agreed to provide water service to the East Dublin area.) Appeals would be heard by LAFCO. The East Bay Division of the League of California Cities is currently reviewing SB 1250, and Cm. Moffatt, serving as the City of Dublin's representative on this group, will be casting a vote at the next East Bay Division meeting to be held in May. Staff requested that the Council provide direction to Cm. Moffatt on this issue. Mr. Rankin advised that the bill had been amended to delete specific references to water districts and now applies to any/all special distriCts. In our area, it would still be water and sewer services, which are provided by a special district. Cm. Moffatt felt that in many instances special districts may be able to decide land use and other things that have been primarily in the domain of the cities. This bill strengthens a cities' ability to provide services for their citizens without the undue influence of other types of special districts. This is a mandated bill and there would be a fund of at least $1 million available. Not only dOes this include water and sewer, but police and fire districts, and regional parks systems. It Strengthens the hand of the city to provide for their own citizens. The East Bay Division of the League is not necessarily supporting this legislation. Mayor Snyder stated he felt the City of Dublin should support it. Cm. Burton felt that everybody seems to be trying to get control of land planning. By a Council consensus, Staff was directed to prepare a letter to Senator Boatwright indicating the City's support of SB 1250. CM - VOL 12 - 168 Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 CITY POSITION ON STATE BUDGET/LOCAL GOVERNMENT (330-80) Assistant City Manager Rankin advised that several efforts are underway to develop a consensus on the response by local agencies to the State Budget. Staff outlined the various proposals to provide the City Council with an opportunity to discuss a potential position. The Alameda County Mayors' Conference will be discussing the City's position at their May meeting. Mr. Rankin advised that the League of California Cities has formed an advisory group consisting of representatives from 55 cities statewide. A Contra Costa County proposal was passed by the ABAG General Assembly which would protest the State shift of local property tax to the State. The ABAG General Assembly also approved a resolution which took a general position on the State Budget and which suggests that the State should: refrain from raiding local funds and develop long- term fiscal reform; refrain from using local funds and generate its own revenues or service cuts to balance the state Budget; support a simple majority voter approval on bond issues and taxes. Mro Rankin stated the City Council should discuss any concerns or issues related to the State Budget which they want the Mayor to express in the City's position before the Alameda County Mayors' Conference which will be considering this item at their next meeting on May 12th. Cm. Moffatt stated he was impressed with the Legislative Analyst's boOk, "Budget Perspective and Issues", which has many articles of interest. They pointed out.that we should shift sales tax to the state level and property tax to the city and county levels. In this way, we would be assured of a steady income and it would not be dependant on the sales tax. This would get cities out of the retail area. We could then designate the funds to be used for specific rather than general uses. He urged the Councilmembers to get a copy of the book. Cm. Houston felt this would be detrimental in Dublin's case. Cm. BUrton stated sales tax revenue is not created without a cost. The people who are starting to propose this-are trying to have an equalized sales tax for everyone. We don't have enough property tax to carry our city. Cm. Moffatt stated you would increase the amount of property tax. Mr. Ambrose stated we get 28% in some tax areas. The balance is distributed to the State, as well as to the schools He recently read an analysis and the concept is to take the 72% and ~hift this back to the cities. There are equity issues that must be reviewed. Cm. Moffatt felt we were going to have to talk about a lot of new issues in the future. CM - VOL 12 - 169 Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 Mayor Snyder felt it was important for people to understand what happens to the 1/2¢ sales tax. It needs to come back in a different form. Under the current program, you can't change the allocation. Cm. Moffatt said he would 'certainly recommend changing the use of that money. Mayor Snyder pointed out that 2 resolutions were adopted by ABAG supporting a 1/2¢ sales tax, but not the current one. The 7 strategic areas are: 1) oppose property tax shift; 2) 50% general obligation bond approval; 3) extension by the State of the 1/2¢ sales tax; 4) provide for redevelopment reform; 5) provide for workers' compensation reform; 6) provide relief from state mandated costs; and 7) explore constitutional protection for local revenues. By a consensus, the Council indicated a support for the areas identified. Cm. Houston stated however, he doesn't like the idea of extending the 1/2¢ sales tax. OTHER BUSINESS DSRSD Liaison Meetinq (960-10) Mr. Ambrose confirmed that the DSRSD Liaison committee (Mayor Snyder and Cm. Houston) will meet on May llth at 7:00 a.m. New Businesses in City (470-10) Mr. Ambrose reported that the City now has tenants for the vacant Sawmill building; McFrugals, formerly known as Pick & Save. Mr. Rankin advised that they are a large chain which has some significant expansion plans. Previously, they were mostly located in Southern California and in Florida. Lucky Store Movinq From Dublin (470-60) Cm. Howard questioned if Lucky's have a tenant lined up to move into their Old store. There is a sign saying they will be moving in the Spring of 1994. Cm. Moffatt stated he was advised that they will be starting construction on their San Ramon store as soon as the rains are over. Mr. Ambrose stated they have indicated they will help us find a tenant. We are seeing a lot of activity and maybe it is a sign that the economy is improving a little. Cm. Howard also questioned what was happening in the space between Target and Wards. * * * * CM - VOL 12 - 170 Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 Library Service Budget Cuts (940-10) Cm. Houston advised that the Alameda County Library group will be having their budget meeting tomorrOw night. He will be unable to attend due to the East Dublin meeting conflict. Linda Wood told him that they are looking at cutting library hours from 40 down to 18 1/2 hours a week. Gasoline Prices in Dublin (470-20) Cm. Burton asked if there was any way we could investigate how the gasoline prices are set in Dublin. This weekend he paid $1.09 a gallon in Stockton and prices are about 20¢ a gallon or more higher here in Dublin. There seems to be an appearance of collusion or price fixing. He questioned if the District Attorney would be the right one to look into this. There should be something we can do. We should make some noise about this. Ms. Silver stated she didn't think there was anything the City could do about this, but she would look into it. She will call the DA's office or Attorney General regarding price fixing. Cm. Moffatt asked if there could be a Grand Jury investigation. Ms. Silver stated there might be other avenues, such as a boycott. Cm. Houston stated he spoke to an owner of a gas station and it is not like they are making extra money. The City is making money off his gas sales. Traffic Impact Fees (590-80) Cm. Burton questioned how traffic impact fees are determined. A new restaurant, "Celebritys" had tables outside which weren't originally planned and they were told it would cost an extra $2,500 to have these tables outside for people who smoke. Mr. Thompson stated the original lawsuit with the Eneas said they were exempt from any traffic impact fees which did not include outdoor seating. Any expansion should be subject to impact fees. They were told that Staff could do a review in-house which would cost a few hundred dollars, but it would take longer, as opposed to him having to hire an engineer which wOuld cost $1,000 to $2,000. Cm. Burton questioned why we should add an impact fee just for putting a few tables outside. Mr. Ambrose stated the City Council's Ordinance requires these uses to have a CUP if they want tables outside. This triggers the review of the expansion of'the use and whether additional traffic will be generated which impacts local streets. · · I · · · [] · · · · · · · · · [] · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Regular Meeting April 26, 1993 Cm. Burton felt that the impact of getting zapped is that it starts a negative thought process about the City from a new business. Mayor Snyder felt it would be appropriate for Staff to do a proper review of this. Mr. Ambrose responded that Staff would like to do a full review of this situation. Permits for Auctions (410-20) Mayor Snyder stated he had received a card about a federal auction being held at Howard Johnson's. He questioned if permits are required. Mr. Tong stated when the City did the expansion for the Howard Johnson's, Staff addressed the auctions and he thought they were supposed to come in and provide documentation prior to having the events. The advertising card was given to Mr. Tong with a request to review the requirements. Cm. Houston stated he attended a past auction and felt this was a cheesy operation. Water Rates (1000-20) Mayor Snyder referenced a letter from Jim Dixon, General Manager of Zone 7 related to their 17% rate increase. He asked if the Council wished for Mr. Dixon to address the Council. Staff was directed to contact Mr. Dixon to see if a presentation could be made at the May 24th Council meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. , * , · ATTEST: CM - VOL 12 - 172 Regular Meeting April 26, 1993