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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCCMINS 09-08-1997CITY OF LIVERMORE SPECIAL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER & 1997- 6:00 p,m. (Closed Session) CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Brown called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3575 Pacific Avenue. R.QLL_C, AI& - Vice Mayor Vargas, Councilmembers John Stein, Ayn Wieskamp and Tom Reitter, and Mayor Brown were present. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS COUNCIL ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS - No comments were made. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION - Council met with the City Attorney pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b) because based on existing facts and circumstances, there is a significant exposure to litigation against the City. A claim was received under the Tort Claims Act or some other written communication from a potential plaintiff threatening litigation. The claim or communication from Simone McPherson (Department of Fair Employment and Housing) and Armand Mulder (Tort Claim) is available for public inspection in the City Clerk's Office. RECONVENE PUBLIC MEETING - The public meeting was reconvened at 6:30 p.m. ADJOURNMEI~F - The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. SUMMER READING PROGRAM PRESENTATIONS- 6~'30 P.M. Presentations were made to the children who participated in the Summer Rea.ding Program. CM/57/396 September 8, 1997 REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8. 1997- 7:00 p,m, CALL TO ORDER - The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Brown at 7:33 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3575 Pacific Avenue, Livermore. Present: Vice Mayor Vargas, Councilmembers Ayn Wieskamp, Tom Reitter, John Stein and Mayor Brown. Staff Members Present: City Manager Jerry Peeler, City Attorney Tom Curry, Community Development Director Barry Hand, Public Services Director Mike Miller, City Engineer Phil Boydstun, Assistant City Engineer Dan Smith, Assistant to the City Manager Ellyn Axelrod, Economic Development Director Karen Majors, and City Clerk Alice Calvert. PUBLIC REPORT OF ACTION TAKEN IN CLOSED SES$]Q1N - No report. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES APPROVAL - ON THE MOTION OF CM RE1TFER, SECONDED BY CM WIESKAMP, AND CARRIED BY A 4-0 VOTE, VM VARGAS ABSTAINING, THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 11, 1997 WERE APPROVED AS FOLLOWS: UNDER CITIZENS FORUM, THE NAME MARION LAM?KIN WAS CORRECTED TO AARON LATKIN. PROCLAMATIONS - A Proclamation was presented to Penny Mix, Assistant Administrator of Rosewood Gardens, Proclaiming National Assisted Living Week September 7-13, 1997. PRESENTATIONS - None. CITIZENS FORUM Michael Brown, an atto~ey, discussed an appeal by the City of a case involving an injury to his client resulting from an unsafe City street. He said the appeal is frivolous and the case cannot be won. The City should utilize the money which would be spent on the appeal for September 8, 1997 CM/57/397 improving public streets. Mayor Brown said the matter was not on the agenda and therefore could not be discussed, but would be subject to a Closed Session. Jeffrey Barnes, Managing Parmer, J.J. Dancien, complained regarding service received in relationship to his project, Tract 6783. He said the City Attorney's Office has been unresponsive to his phone calls and correspondence. He requested that the City Council review the matter. Mayor Brown said she understood communications had been poor between both parties. She requested that Mr. Barnes call her and said staffwill resolve the issues. CONSENT CALENDAR ON THE MOTION OF ClVl WIESKAMP, SECONDED BY CM STEIN, THE CONSENT CALENDAR WAS APPROVED BY 5-0 VOTE. 1.la RESOLUTION 97-232 APPROVING STREET NAM~ CHANGE 71-97, RENAMING LAURELWOOD DRIVE TO THORNHILL DRIVE 1.2 RESOLUTION 97-233 APPROVING A CARRY OVER OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS FROM FY 1996/97 TO 1997/98, CANCELING THE BALANCE REMAINING FROM IN LIEU FUNDS FOR ECHO HOUSING COUNSELING AND REALLOCATING THE CDBG ADMINISTRATION BALANCE TO THE CONTINGENCY ACCOUNT 1.3 RESOLUTION 97-234 APPROVING FINAL TRACT MAP 6863 AND A SUBDMSION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT (LIVERMORE HOMEBUILDERS). LOCATION: EAST SIDE OF VASCO ROAD, NORTH OF SCENIC AVENUE 1.4a Landowner consent filed in connection with formation of Maintenance District 800 for Tract Map 6220 (Denhoy). Location: Lomitas Avenue, west of Arroyo Road 1.4b 1.4c RESOLUTION 97-235 INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 800 RESOLUTION 9%236 APPROVING AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES FOR MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 800 1.4d Engineer's report filed-. 1.4e RESOLUTION 9%237 ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS FOR MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 800 CM/57/398 September 8, 1997 1.Sa Landowner consent filed in connection with formation of Maintenance District 801 for Tract Map 6537 (Miklyn Development/Blau). Location: east end of Mt. Day Drive. 1.Sb RESOLUTION 97-238 INrrIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 801 1.5c RESOLUTION 9%239 APPROVING AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES FOR MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 801 1.Sd Engineer's report filed. 1.5e RESOLUTION 9%240 ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS FOR MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 801 1.6a Landowner consent filed in connection with formation of Maintenance District 802 for Tract Maps 6150 and 6760 (Perry, Bosch, Fontaine, Hill and Klinke) Location: Lomitas Avenue, west of Arroyo Road 1.6b RESOLUTION 9%241 INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 802 1.6c RESOLUTION 97-242 APPROVING AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES FOR MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 802 1.6d Engineer's report filed. 1.6e RESOLUTION 9%243 ORDERING IMPROVEMENTS FOR MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 802 1.7 RESOLUTION 9%~44 APPROVING FINAL TRACT 6807 AND A SUBDMSION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT (CALVIN AND MARJORIE BRIGHT)). LOCATION: NORTH OF FIRST STREET, SOUTH OF PORTOLA AVENUE, EAST OF THE TERMINUS OF MLrRPI-IY STREET 1.8a Landowner consent filed in connection with formation of Maintenance District 803 for Tract Map 6807 (Calvin and Marjorie Bright). Location: north of First Street, south of Portola Avenue, east of the terminus of Murphy Street. 1.8b RESOLUTION 9%245 INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 803 1.8C RESOLUTION 9%246 APPROVING AGREEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES FOR MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 803 1.8d Engineer's report filed. September 8, 1997 CM/57/399 1.Se RESOLUTION 9%247 ORDERING IlVIPROVEMENTS FOR MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 803 1.9 RESOLUTION 9%248 AUTHORIZrNG EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,254 IN CONNECTION WITH THE CITY'S SPRINGTOWN PUMP STATION (PWP 91-39) 1.10 RESOLUTION 9%249 AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NO. 1 WITH MARK THOMAS & CO., INC. FOR CONSULTING SERVICES ON THE AIRWAY BOULEVARD/I-580 INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS (PWP 95-54) AND APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS 1.11 RESOLUTION 9%250 AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER 13 TO THE CONTRACT WITH DESILVA GATES CONSTRUCTION FOR THE NORTH MINES ROAD GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT (PWP 85-12) 1.12 RESOLUTION 9%251 AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A QUITCLAIM DEED TO COUNTY OF ALAMEDA FOR REAL PROPERTY AND HIGHWAY EASEMENT ALONG GREENVILLE ROAD 1.13 RESOLUTION 9%252 AUTHORIZING WAIVER OF INTEREST PAYMENT ON DEED OF TRUST, SECOND MORTGAGE PROGRAM (DONNA SCHREIBER, 4772 NICOL COMMON, #104) 1.14 RESOLUTION 97-253 CERTIFYING THAT THE CITY ATTORNEY IS AUTHORIZED TO CERTIFY PROPOSITION 218 COMPLIANCE TO ALAMEDA COUNTY 1.15 The summary of Planning Commission meeting of September 2 was noted. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2.1 1996-97 Housing and Community_ Development Grantee Performance Report- Hearing to consider comments on the 1996-97 Housing and Community Developmem Grantee Performance Report. Recommendation: Staff recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution accepting the Report and authorizing execmion by the City Manager. Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. There were no comments, and the public hearing was closed. CM/57/400 September 8, 1997 ON THE MOTION OF VM VARGAS, SECONDED BY CM WIESKAMP, AND CARRIED BY A 5-0 VOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED: RESOLUTION 97-254 APPROVING TI-IE 1996-97 GRANTEE PERFORMANCE REPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM 2.2 Tri-Valley Transportation Development Fee Program - Hearing to receive public input on the revised Tri-Valley Transportation Development Fee Program to finance all or part of the eleven transportation improvements in the Tri-Valley area as proposed by the Tri- Valley Transportation Council. Recommendation: Staff recommended that the City Council receive comments and approve the Tri-Valley Transportation Council's proposed resolution approving Principles of Agreement for adoption of the Th-Valley Transportation Development Fee, subject to City Council comments. In response to Council questions, Dan Smith, Assistant City Engineer, described the fee exemptions related to land uses. He said the fee would apply to all significant changes in existing development agreements alter January 1, 1998. Development agreements made prior to that date could be exempt from the fee. He noted that some cities have large projects which are exempt from the fee, such as the Chevron and Bishop Ranch projects in San Ramon. CM Reitter said San Ramon has previously indicated they would not pay any fees no matter what changes were made, so this represents a significant change in their position. Mayor Brown said she has a problem with the agreement because of the constant reference to a toll road. Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. James Day, 745 Cardinal Drive, read a letter dated August 8, 1997 for the record. He discussed the nexus analysis. He said the real needs for the Th-valley are to lower pollution, reduce idling time on valley roads, and provide free flowing access to regional shopping centers and neighborhoods. The proposed projects encourage flow through the valley. He said the Council should consider that the fees should at least cover the full cost of all infrastructure required by the added 57,000 trip ends, a tax increase should be asked for if some improvements benefit current residents, and cities should reduce their general plan limits until the infrastructure required for new growth is fully funded and sustainable. Sam Palermo, President, Chamber of Commerce, requested that the Council vote against the TVTC development fee. The fee is not fair and equitable to all cities involved. Two projects in San Ramon are exempt, and there is no guarantee that fees will change in those areas in 1998. Projects need to be defined, prioritized and accurately costed, and funding sources September 8, 1997 CM/57/401 need to be secured. New business would pay for projects that will not be completed for more than 10 years. Fees should be derived from all users in the system. The Keyser Marston report finds that the City of Livermore would have the third and second highest use compared to several nearby communities. City fees are now 10 to 15%; this fee and the community facilities fee would add another 6 to 10%. Additional costs and fees would provide additional incentives to locate beyond Livermore, in Tracy and Manteca. He requested that the City Council ask the TVTC to form a task fome to include members of the business community to look at ways to solve transportation issues. Tom O'Malley, Th Valley Business Council, agreed that transportation is one of the biggest problems in the Bay Area and needs to be fixed by those using system and those maintaining it (Federal and State government). Businesses should pay their fair share and they are willing to do so. He opposes this fee because it is inequitable and does not solve the problem. It taxes only new businesses or relocations but not government. This proposal would only provide for six of the 11 projects and would take 13 years to collect the funds. He recommended a collaborative effort of Tri-valley government, businesses and concerned citizens to lobby for all possible funding sources to solve problems in a timely manner. Bill Mozocco, manager of a paper box factory in Livermore said he met with the partners of his firm to select a site for a $20 million, phase 1 facility. Although he advocated locating in Livermore, the partners decided to locate in Stockton, on the advice of a Seattle firm which was hired to prepare a due diligence report. The firm said Livermore is not proactive in attracting businesses. Jeffrey Barnes, Managing Partner, J.J. Dancien, expressed concern that property they purchased would be subject to this fee. He noted that Circuit City, which is under construction, might not have located in Livermore if this fee were in place. He said industrial users are sensitive to fee burdens. He said a balance is needed between housing and jobs, and employment in the area will create a housing boom and an increase in real estate prices. Doug Mann, concurred with Mr. Day's comments. He said citizens do not want a toll road. He said expanding Highway 84 to four lanes will bring traffic on 1-580 to a stop, and it does not make sense to expand Highway 84. He said he wants to inconvenience commuters. He said there is nothing wrong with keeping fees for homes high. If development is stopped for 15 years, developers will pay any fees to build homes. Michael Ferrucci, 508 So. Livermore Avenue, said he believes residents want to see State Route 84 moved out of downtown as soon as possible. It is critical to do that before doing anything else. The City should only consider two lanes at this time and expedite relocation of Highway 84 now. It does not make sense to have four lanes going to two lanes, and vice versa. If the bypass is only two lanes, it will still take the State highway designation off Highway 84. There is currently little or no motivation for Caltrans to relocate Highway 84. It should not be up to Livermore to accommodate the need of commuter non-residents. The CM/57/402 September 8, 1997 City Council should not accept or consider a plan that will delay transformation of downtown fi.om a commuter corridor to a dining and shopping destination. Mayor Brown closed the public hearing. Mayor Brown said she has been listening hard to other cities and appreciates the seriousness with which regional transportation needs are being addressed. 1-580, 1-680 and Highway 84 have serious congestion issues. She is supportive of a regional transportation fee but has a problem with this proposal because of its emphasis on a toll road. A toll road creates opposition to this fee. The City has battled this concept since the late '80's and early '90's. It does not make sense to create a toll road in Livermore and charge people to drive on a road for which they have already paid. A toll road particularly does not make sense in light of the plan which makes South Livermore a destination point for vineyards, agriculture, bed and breakfasts,' and restaurants. It would move the 1-580/1-680 problems to 1-580/84. She also stated that a toll road would reduce citizen confidence in elected representatives and the funds earmarked for Highway 84 would move to other projects. The public wants a flee, at- surface expressway. Mayor Brown stated that she opposes the adoption of the fee because of its inclusion of a toll road. CM Reitter said the business community in parts of the valley have become enamored with the idea of a toll road. Highway 84 is the biggest component of the Th-Valley transportation plan. People feel that a toll road on Highway 84 would reduce the fee to a tolerable level. A toll road is not consistent with the South Livermore Plan, nor will it help with the 1-580/1-680 problems. He noted that, in May, the City of Dublin stated that a study of a toll road should be conducted in parallel with implementation of the fee; now they want the study to precede implementation of the fee. A toll road would take away interest in funding Highway 84. He said he understands the business community's concerns, and would be willing to have a two- tiered program which would charge a higher percentage to residential development than to industrial and commercial. There is a high demand for housing which will not leave the area in the way in which industrial users would. He stated that, without the fee, the potential for collecting money in the future will be lost, and the longer the fee is delayed, the less will be collected. He said he cannot support the toll road. CM Wieskamp said the City Council has very clearly stated that it does not want a toll road. She noted that funding transportation is very complicated, and discussed issues facing the Measure B Steering Committee, on which she serves. She said they are trying to get the County to think of how best to make transportation work within the Bay Area~ beyond just Alameda County. The Expenditure Committee is wrestling with the issue of top priorities. She has asked Congestion Management to prepare a list of all fees to help the committee develop the best projects to include on the Measure B list. The City has waited 25 years for improvements to Highway 84, and the project is critical for the entire valley. She is concerned that it is not at least No. 2 on the list. She said it is important to attract people who will create businesses in and live in Livermore in order to provide jobs for citizens of Livermore. She is not convinced that this proposal is the right program. September 8, 1997 CM/57/403 VM Vargas concurred. He said the fee must be fair; the City should pay a fair share and receive a fair share of the projects. In 1992, Sunol Grade was not a problem, but it is today and will continue to worsen. He does not think a Tri-Valley fee should be used to fix a larger problem. The benefits to Livermore residents and businesses are questionable. He is upset that Highway 84's priority on the list is still unclear. It does not appear that Livermore will get fair returns fi.om this fee. He is concerned with the inequitable distribution, the lack of benefits to Livermore, and the negative impact on business. He supports the concept, but it must work fairly, be equitable for communities and not try to fix bigger problems. That is what Measure B is for. CM Reitter said there is a direct correlation between the increased interest in a toll road and the decreased interest in Highway 84 in the last few months. CM Stein said the Mid-State Toll Road fi.anchise hms to 2004 and can hold up the entire process. It is not part of Livermore's vision to have a major track route going through the west neighborhood. People advocating this should think about a toll road for E1 Charro to Sunol Blvd. Livermore residents are 50% of the users and would be paying a great deal of the tolls. The toll road idea should be dropped and cities' benefits should be limited to a percentage of the fees they pay. There are many other sources of funding that will pay for a four lane expressway on Highway 84. The best way of funding transportation is through a reasonable gas tax tied to the cost of living. It is important to realize that Livermore cannot capture every new business that moves into the valley. He noted that industry in Livermore has grown by 70% over the last year. However, Livermore cannot afford to compete with other cities which have lower land and other costs, such as Stockton, Tracy and Manteca. He woUld have no problem with the current fee if it were not for the toll road, but feels the fee should be even higher than proposed. Mayor Brown said the City has been very proactive in attracting new business. She knows support for the toll road is emerging outside the Liverrnore community. She has talked to developers who think it should be expanded into North Livermore open space areas. The Pleasanton City Council deliberated on the fee and stated that a toll road needs to happen in Livermore. If other cities want one, they have her support to have it in their cities, but there will not be a toll road in Livermore. ON THE MOTION OF CM WIESKAMP, SECONDED BY CM REITTER, AND CARRIED BY fi 5-0 VOTE, THE CITY COUNCIL VOTED NOT TO ACCEPT THE TRI-VALLEY TRANSPORTATION FEE PROGRAM LIST OF PROJECTS. The City Council recessed for a short break at 8:35; the Council meeting reconvem:xt at 8:45. 2.3 Water Connection Fees - Heating to consider an amendment to the Municipal Code changing the title of "City Water Storage Fee" to "Water Connection Fee"; approve the Water Connection Fee Study; and approve adjustments to Water Connection Fees for all new CM/57/404 September 8, 1997 connections to the City water system. Recommendation: Staff recommended that the City Council adopt an ordinance amending the Municipal Code and adopt a resolution approving the study and the fee adjustments. Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. Phil Serna, Homebuilders Association, said the HBA is concerned that the nexus for the fee includes comparison to other fees in the jurisdictions with the region. They feel there is no legal bearing in comparing the City's fee to other jurisdictions. He noted that the City's proposal is six percent higher than other jurisdictions. Jeff Barnes, Managing Partner, J.J. Dancien, said the proposed fee is a 180% increase for industrial users. He asked the City Council to keep in mind its goal of being competitive and attracting business to Livermore. Mayor Brown closed the public hearing. CM Stein stated that, in the past, Livermore has charged less than other agencies and was the last agency to implement this fee; the other jurisdictions will catch up. CM Reitter said the water connection fee has been increased only moderately over the past 13 years. ON THE MOTION OF CM STEIN, SECONDED BY CM REITTER, THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED BY FIRST READING, TITLE ONLY: AMENDING CHAPTER 13.20 (RATES AND CHARGES), SECTION 13.20.020, OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO WATER STORAGE FACILITIES ON THE MOTION OF CM STEIN, SECONDED BY CM REITrER, AND CARRIED BY A 5-0 VOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED: RESOLUTION 97-25~ APPROVING STUDY AND ADOPTING FEES (CITY OF LIVERMORE WATER CONNECTION FEE STUDY: EXPANSION OF POTABLE AND RECYCLED WATER SERVICES-WATER CONNECTION FEES) 2.4 Planned Unit Development 130 and Vesting Tentative Tract Map 6912 - Hearing to consider Planned Unit Development 130 and Vesting Tentative Tract Map 6912, request of Albert Horowitz for Anita Gand-olfo to authorize land use and development standards to permit subdivision of a seven acre site into 55 small lot single-family detached housing units on lots of approximately 3,200 square feet. Location: west side of North Livermore Avenue, north of Cromwell Street extended westerly, and south of Rose Lawn Cemetery. Parcel Size: 7± acres. Zoning Dislrict: PD (Planned Development). General Plan: Urban High-2 (8 to 14 dwelling September 8, 1997 CM/57/405 units per acre) Residential. A Negative Declaration finding no significant environmental impact for the proposal will be considered. Recommendation: This item was withdrawn by the applicant. CM Wieskamp noted that the neighbors are concerned about this project. She requested that the Council be provided with information about the proposal. 2.5 Tentative Parcel Map Amendment 6711 - Hearing to consider Tentative Parcel Map Amendment 6711, request of Associated Professions. Inc. to authorize subdivision of 780 acres into parcels ranging in size fi:om less than one acre to 401 acres (Livermore Municipal Airport) to segregate various uses of City property to individual parcels. Location: bounded by Interstate 580 on the north, 770 feet east of Rutan Drive on the east, the extension of Jack London Boulevard on the south, and E1 Charro Road on the west. Zoning District(s): E (Education and Institutions), OSF (Open Space-Flood), OSA (Open Space Agriculture) and PD (Planned Development). General Plan: Public Facilities-Municipal Airport and golf course, Open Space Recreation, Limited Agriculture, Low Intensity Industrial. A Negative Declaration finding no significant environmental impact for the proposal will be considered. Recommendation: The Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the Tentative Parcel Map and of the environmental documents with direction to file. Elwood Bona, 656 Catalina Drive, member of the Airport Advisory Commission, said many activities which benefit the community, such as the library, baseball diamonds and tennis courts, have been paid for by taxes. The airport, however, has been paid for by pilots. The FAA gets money used fi:om services by pilots. For years, the pilots have not gotten any return for their money. If any other use is made of airport property, the pilots should get something for it. Mayor Brown closed the public hearing. Barry Hand, Community Development Director, said this map does not change the ownership of the land or permit a change of land use. It simply consolidates existing parcels into lesser number of parcels. Mike Miller, Public Services Di/ector, said the City currently leases land that has been purchased with FAA grant funds with 10% matching City funds. The Golf Course pays $16,000 per year for the undeveloped portion. The City also rents out some of the agricultural land. The City is preparing a business plan focusing on maximizing return on investment and on land use at the airport. VM VARGAS MOVED TO APPROVED TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP AMENDMENT 6711, SECONDED BY CM REITTER. THE MOTION CARRIED BY A 5-0 VOTE. CM/57/406 September 8, 1997 3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 3,1 Status Report on Reauthorization of Measure B Dan Smith, Assistant City Engineer, stated that the Measure B reauthorization process calls for the Expenditure Plan Development Committee (EPDC) to recommend a list of projects to the Steering Committee by October 1. The EPDC has divided into subareas and made recommendations based on a $180 million budget, which is about 25% more than could realistically be expected. The EPDC subgroup has allocated $100 million to the Rome 84 Expressway and Isabel Rome 84/1-580 interchange projects. The steering committee guidelines are to have fully funded projects. The subcommittee sponsors have been asked to rescope their projects to meet money. The City of Livermore sponsors the two Route 84 projects. 1) Isabel Rome 84/1-580 interchange. The City has been asked whether they would consider a reduced interchange with only one bridge. A disadvantage would be that the bridge would have to be built later, at a higher cost, and a reduced bridge would not provide the capacity needed for projected traffic. 2) Route 84 Expressway. The City submitted the proposal at the request of the Congestion Management Agency. The $118 million project would provide six lanes fi:om Jack London to Vineyard and four fi:om Vineyard to 680. The City Council has been asked if they would reduce the scope of the project to $100 million, which would result in four lanes to Concannon Boulevard, two lanes to IsabeWallecitos, then four lanes. He described other possible phasings, such as the Pigeon Pass portion, track lanes, an environmental study of the full 84 rome, or the purchase of right-of-way. He said the two projects should go together. The actual mount of funds the Tri-Valley is likely to receive is between $80-100 million. Mayor Brown said she would not have a problem with phasing, bm needs to review the impact of a smaller project. She also does not want to preclude the purchase of right-of-way. VM Vargas said he wants to make sure that the Highway designation could still be removed if the project is downsized. He thinks the recommended list is good. This is going to be the only oppommity for matching funds in Alameda County for many years. There may not be another opportunity to get matching funds and parlay State and Federal funds. In response to Council questions, Mr. Smith said the City is already planning to build the northbound lanes of the future facility; this would build the southbound lanes. The City is already buying right-of-way. The Measure B proposal would be to add two lanes and the fight-of-way to what is already being done. It would add the interchange at Stanley Boulevard. CM Wieskamp said it is important to be realistic about what the East County is likely to get. The Expenditure Planning group has done their best. She would like to pm as much as Mr. Smith feels is reasonable into the interchange, then look at making the two-lane addition continue, bm buy four lanes of right-of-way and go for Vasco Road types of safety September 8, 1997 CM/57/407 improvements. She would like to develop a good working project and then get Federal funding for Phase II. Mayor Brown asked what would be wrong with trying to keep Livermore's project on the books and agree to try to get other funding. CM Wieskamp said the committee has agreed to try to get projects that can be fully funded. She said a second phase could be proposed. CM Stein suggested a fallback position allowing the transfer of funds between projects. Mayor Brown said transferring funds is difficult. Mr. Smith suggested combining the two projects into one Highway 84 project. CM Wieskamp said when Measure B is taken to the voters, there must be surety as to where the funds are going. She said she likes the idea of combining the two projects into one and proposing phasing. The City Cotmcil concurred. 4. ORDINANCES 4.1 ON THE MOTION OF VM VARGAS, SECONDED BY CM STEIN, AND CARRIED BY A 5-0 VOTE, THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WAS ADOPTED: ORDINANCE 1506 AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE 442, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING SECTION RELATING TO PARKING STALL DIMENSIONS 5. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None. 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 Presentation of East Bay Regional Park District Master Plan Joeelyn Combs, Board Member, presented the District's 1997 Master Plan. She said the plan is revised every 10 years. She gave background on the District and discussed the goals of the Master Plan. She said partnerships in Murray Township are especially important. She discussed current parks and the District's relationship with LARPD. She discussed plans for future parks and trails. CM/57/408 September 8, 1997 CM Reitter asked what relationship the District has with the San Francisco Water District. Ms. Combs said they have a good working relationship and are discussing the possibility of jointly acquiring property. Mayor Brown thanked Ms. Combs for her presentation. 6.2 Diocese of Oakland - Request of Diocese of Oakland for Abandonment of a '~No Vehicular Access Strip" at the end of Redwood Road in Springtown to adopt supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $1,500,000 and authorizing implementation of the plan. Norm Tuttle, Attorney for the Diocese of Oakland, said the purchase of the 122 acre Anderson Ranch is currently in escrow for the purpose of developing a Catholic cemetery. The Diocese is requesting access to the property for limited agricultural maintenance and planning purposes. The easiest and best access is via Redwood Road. In response to Council questions, City Attorney Tom Curry said the City Council could direct staffto develop a resolution that would provide essentially the same protection to the City as the no access strip. The City could then abandon the no access strip. The resolution could limit the uses to those represented by the Diocese. Father Stall, representing the Diocese, said the ranch has only one other access, which is over a very unsound bridge. They are in the process of preparing a plan for development of the property as a cemetery in approximately five years. He noted that they are not outsiders to the community, but currently have facilities at St. Michael's and St. Charles'. It is not their intent to bypass Livermore's ability to approve a project so close to the City limits. They asked to annex and were told by staffnot to make the application. They only want to access the property for agricultural purposes which are already approved - to disk, clean up and inspect the property. They would place a cyclone fence at the Redwood Road. CM Stein asked if the Diocese would let the Historical Preservation Committee review the structures on the site; Father Stall said they would if they are given access. ON THE MOTION OF VM VARGAS, SECONDED BY CM STEIN, AND CARRIED BY A 5-0 VOTE, THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. COUNCIL DIRECTED THAT, IF THE ABANDONMENT IS APPROVED FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC HEARING, THE RESOLUTION SHOULD PROVIDE FOR ACCESS TO THE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMITTEE AND ALLOW ACCESS BY THE DIOCESE ONLY FOR LIMITED AGRICULTURAL, MAINTENANCE AND PLANNING PURPOSES. RESOLUTION 9%256 RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO VACATE A NO VEHICULAR ACCESS STRIP AND SET A PUBLIC HEARING (REDWOOD ROAD) September 8, 1997 CM/57/409 6.3 City_ Boards/Commissions ON THE MOTION OF VM VARGAS, SECONDED BY CM STEIN, AND CARRIED BY A 5-0 VOTE, THE FOLLOWING APPOINTMENTS WERE MADE: ao Appointment of George Bokanich to the Golf Course Greens Committee for term ending November 1, 2001; appointment of Jack Feely, term beginning November 1, 1997 and ending November 1, 2001. Reappointment of James Wharton, Kimberly Shepodd, David Darlington and Kirk Thompson to the Environment & Energy Committee for terms ending September 1, 1999. do Appointment of Joseph Iannucci to the Environment & Energy Committee for term ending September 1, 1999. Reappointment of Douglas Mcleod and Rich Buckley as Livermore representatives to the Th-Valley Community TV Board for terms ending September 9, 1999. 7. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS - None. MATTERS INITIATED BY CITY MANAGER. CITY ATTORNEY. STAFF AND COUNCIL MEMBEII~q ~ - CM Stein requested information on why the Italian Cypress trees were removed. Zoning and General Phln - CM Stein noted that Zoning and General Plan have historically been a ceiling and not a floor in terms of density, and density could be dropped if it was consistent with neighboring properties. The Council directed that this matter be placed on an upcoming agenda. Holmes Street Fencing and Landscaping - CM Wieskamp noted that the area is in disarray and the Magnolia trees suffer because the planting environment is poor. She requested that staff look at possible solutions, including replacement of the trees. Bakery_ on Livermore Avenue - CM Wieskamp noted that the bakery appears to be conducing wholesale rather than retail business; she requested a report. Street Name Si_c,n~ - CM Wieskamp noted that many street name signs are faded and difficult to read. CM/57/410 September 8, 1997 8. MATTERS INITIATED (Continued) Taste of Downtow~ - CM Wieskamp noted that the Taste of Downtown was a wonderful event, drawing many new residents and their children. Residential Resale Inspection Program - CM Reitter asked if the Council was interested in placing this matter on an upcoming agenda. Soundwall on 1-580 near Holiday Inn - CM Reitter said a soundwall is needed on 1-580 near the mobile home park and Holiday Inn in Springtown to reduce noise and road debris. CM Wieskamp suggested alternatives such as fencing and berms. Lighting and Landscape District~ - CM Reitter suggested that the City budget funds annually to fund certain capital improvements, such as play equipment, in LL Districts. This would forego the need for an expensive election process. Portola Avenue - CM Reitter suggested that the Beautification Committee be directed to propose improvements to Portola Avenue, as a gateway to the City. Tracy Hills Project - CM Reitter expressed concern that this project will increase traffic on Tesla Road from Corral Hollow Road. Mr. Hand described the Ell{ process and Alameda County's comment letter. Las Positas Golf Course - VM Vargas noted that the San Francisco Business Times listed the golf course as the third busiest in the Bay Area. Construction Activity_ on Railroad Avenue. - VM Vargas noted that some sort of construction activity involving cables and poles is taking place on Railroad Avenue near Valley Pool; he requested a report. Speeding on Cedar Avenue - VM Vargas noted excessive speeding and requested a report on the possibility of installing stop signs or other traffic controls. Minor Modifications to Approvals - VM Vargas requested that Council discuss authorizing staff to approve minor modifications to applications already approved by Council, to expedite projects for homeowners. The Council directed that this item be placed on an upcoming agenda. City_ Council Meeting Broadcast on Cable TV - Mayor Brown thanked Channel 30. She noted that the City Council meeting will be delayed-broadcast. She said she is excited the public will be able to see Council meetings and stay informed, and she invited the public to attend meetings and to give input. September 8, 1997 CM/57/411 8. MATTERS INITIATED (Continued) Monument Sign on College Avenue - Mayor Brown noted a rental monument sign which she believes is out of compliance. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. to a Regular City Council meeting on Monday, October 6, 1997 at 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers, 3575 Pacific Avenue. APPROVED: ATTEST: MAYOR ALICE CALVERT, CITY CLERK CITY OF LIVERMORE CM/57/412 September 8, 1997