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Agenda Item No. 5(A) EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, May 6, 2014 – 6:40 p.m. Hillside Conference Room CITY COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, May 6, 2014 – 7:00 p.m. City Council Chambers Meeting Location El Cerrito City Hall 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito Janet Abelson – Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Benassini Councilmember Mark Friedman Councilmember Jan Bridges Councilmember Greg Lyman ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers Benassini, Bridges, Lyman and Mayor Abelson Absent: Councilmember Friedman 6:40 p.m. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Abelson called the special City Council meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC – No speakers. COMMISSION INTERVIEWS, STATUS AND APPOINTMENTS Conduct interviews of candidates for city boards and commissions. Interviews may result in an announcement of appointment at the meeting. The City Council may also discuss and determine the scheduling and structure of future interviews. Action: Conducted interview. The City Council, by mutual consent (Absent – Councilmember Friedman), appointed George Gager to the Arts and Culture Commission for a term beginning on May 6, 2014 and concluding on March 1, 2016. ADJOURNED SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING at 7:10 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers Benassini, Bridges, Lyman and Mayor Abelson Absent: Councilmember Friedman ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 2 of 6 Version: 5/15/2014 7:00 p.m. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mayor Abelson called the City Council meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OR OBSERVATION OF MOMENT OF SILENCE was led by Mayor Pro Tem Benassini. 2. COUNCIL / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Abelson announced the City Council’s appointment of George Gager to the Arts and Culture Commission for a term beginning on May 6, 2014 and concluding on Councilmember Bridges reported that she attended a city sponsored drought resilient home workshop on May 1. There was a presentation from a water conservation representative from the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) who informed all of the importance of fixing everyday leaks and checking for leaks in the toilet tank. The workshop also featured a speaker from Greywater Action, who provided information on using laundry greywater in the landscape. The workshop was very informative and well attended. Mayor Pro Tem Benassini informed all about Stege Sanitary District’s upcoming public hearing on June 12, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Stege’s office on Schmidt Lane regarding a proposed rate increase. The hearing will provide information about why an increase is needed including water quality regulations and the District’s overall program to replace and repair sewer lines. Councilmember Lyman discussed a home survey and leak detection/water saving kit he received from EBMUD that is also available to all residents. Councilmember Lyman encouraged all to contact EBMUD at [PHONE REDACTED] or www.ebmud@com to obtain a free kit to survey a home and fix any leaks. It is Stroke Awareness Month. Councilmember Lyman referenced a card distributed by Doctors Hospital that contains important information regarding stroke and described the various that might be indicative of a stroke and require urgent medical care. Mayor Abelson reported that she attended the 2014 Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Awards Ceremony in San Francisco on May 5th which featured many interesting speeches and performances. The ceremony was also attended by San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. Additionally, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is looking for everyone’s input on its “Fleet of the Future,” a mock-up of new cars that one can sit in. On April 29, Mayor Abelson welcomed the Contra Costa Climate Leaders to a workshop held at City Hall. The Climate Leaders talked about General Plans. On April 23, Mayor Abelson attended the League of California Cities Legislative Action Day in Sacramento regarding the League’s perspective on priority bills and bills currently under review by the State Legislature. She also participated in a briefing via League webcast on April 10. At the April 24 West County Mayors and Supervisors Association meeting, the Mayors received a presentation from the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). Mayor Abelson noted that WCCUSD Board President, Charles Ramsey, stated that it is time for the School District to support cities during these difficult financial times. On May 1, the Contra Costa Mayors Conference received a presentation on homeless services from a representative of the Trinity Center. Homelessness is everywhere in every city in Contra Costa County and everyone needs to work together to find solutions to this problem. There are 49 homeless in El Cerrito according to the most recent census. Mayor Abelson also attended the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) meeting and the Committee on Aging meeting. There will be a balance and brain integration class offered at the Senior Center that will go on for eight weeks. Interested individuals can call 559-7677 to register or to obtain more information. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 3 of 6 Version: 5/15/2014 The City’s Earth Day Celebration occurred on April 26. Mayor Abelson thanked the outstanding group of people who worked on various projects. Participants, which included Councilmembers Bridges and Lyman, collected approximately 4300 cigarette butts along San Pablo Avenue. Cigarette butts are highly toxic to the water system. Fifty people worked at the El Cerrito High project site. The event offered something for everybody. Mayor Abelson also thanked those who put together lunch. 3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC Manish Doshi, El Cerrito, expressed concerns about construction related damage that has occurred on Castro Field. Soccer and other youth groups have not had use of the field for over a year. Mr. Doshi asked if the field would be replaced by the school district and when it would occur. A lot of kids and community members have been unable to use the field. Athletic groups are being charged $38 per hour to use the high school field and have received reports that use will be $84 per hour in the summer despite the El Cerrito community’s long time support of the school district. Andy Lojo, Kensington, spoke on behalf of El Cerrito Youth Baseball (ECYB). Mr. Lojo described the program and reminded the school district of the significant investment of time and fundraising that ECYB has done for the fields. ECYB has invested over $40,000 and hundreds of hours of volunteer time, labor and materials over the past few years. The 2006 Joint Use Agreement between the City and West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) outlines priorities and standards for use. The El Cerrito High School Athletic Program is disrupting, delaying or preventing ECYB’s use of the fields and does not communicate in advance about scheduling and field use changes or cancellations. Susan Schwartz, Friends of Five Creeks, stated that the City needs to devote more attention, stewardship, budget and fire hazard reduction in the Hillside Natural Area. Ms. Schwartz stated that volunteers have been doing detailed geographical positioning system (GPS) mapping of plants in the area and have put hours into removal of fire-prone invasive plants but the City will need to put additional money and resources toward the fire hazard reduction effort and should also consider the height and timing of mowing. Volunteers have persuaded experts on native grasslands to meet with city staff for free to talk about adjustments that can be made. Ms. Schwartz invited all to attend the May 17 Hillside Festival to pull broom and participate in a wildflower walk. There is a plant list and slideshow on the Friends of Five Creek’s website http://www.fivecreeks.org/. Anne Ogonowsky, El Cerrito, described the work she had done in helping Friends of Five Creeks to clear brush in El Cerrito and encouraged the City Council to place more resources toward stewardship of the Hillside Natural Area. Ms. Ogonowsky said the volunteers need more help and direction and noted that there are many willing hands. 4. PRESENTATION A. Contra Costa Community College District Facility Needs & Priorities: Information about Measure E – Presentation by Denise Noldon, President at Contra Costa College and John Marquez, President, Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board. Receive a presentation outlining the role of Contra Costa Community College District in the community and information regarding Measure E, an education bond measure on the June 3 ballot. Action: Received presentation. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 4 of 6 Version: 5/15/2014 B. Update from West Contra Costa Unified School District on School Construction Activities – Presentation by Charles Ramsey, President, Board of Education and Bill Fay, Assistant Superintendent, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Hibser Yamauchi Architects, Inc. Action: Received presentation. [Mr. Fay provided an update on the status of construction at El Cerrito High and Harding Elementary, and also reported on plans and timelines for Fairmont Elementary and Portola Middle School. In response to issues related to field use raised during public comment and by the City Council, Mr. Fay stated that Castro Field will be ready by August and as to other issues raised, including High School field use, access to bathrooms and user fees, follow up discussions will take place with Dr. Harter.] 5. ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR – Item Nos. 5A through 5F Moved, seconded (Lyman/Bridges; Ayes – Councilmembers Benassini, Bridges, Lyman and Mayor Abelson; Noes – None; Absent – Councilmember Friedman) and carried to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 5(A) through 5(F) as indicated below. A. Minutes for Approval Approve the April 22, 2014 Closed Session and Regular City Council meeting minutes. Action: Approved minutes. B. Ordinance Establishing the Measure A Swim Center Parcel Tax Rates for Fiscal Year 2014–15 First Reading April 22, 2014. Vote: Unanimous Adopt Ordinance 2014–02 establishing the Measure A Swim Center Parcel Tax rates for Fiscal Year 2014-15, equal to the approved FY 2013-14 rates of $38.61 per single-family residential unit, $29.73 per multi-family residential unit and $270.66 per acre of non- residential property. Action: Adopted Ordinance No. 2014–02. Effective June 5, 2014. C. Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 1988-1 Resolution of Intent to Order Improvements and Set the Date for the Public Hearing as May 20, 2014 Accept the Engineer’s Report specifying assessments for the Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District and adopt a Resolution of Intention to Order Improvements pursuant to the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972, and setting the time, date and place of the public hearing as May 20, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. Action: Adopted Resolution No. 2014–12. D. Bike to Work Proclamation Approve a proclamation proclaiming May 8, 2014 as Bike to Work Day in the City of El Cerrito, recognizing the value of increased bicycle use and encouraging participation in the 20th Annual Bike to Work Day and other bicycling activities during the month of May. Action: Approved proclamation. E. Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Internal Controls Receive and file the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and the Memorandum on Internal Control and Required Communications (MOIC) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013. Action: Received and filed. F. Modify Summer City Council Meeting Schedule Approve a recommendation to adopt a reduced City Council meeting schedule consisting of the third Tuesday in July and August and the fourth Monday in September 2014. Cancelling ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 5 of 6 Version: 5/15/2014 the first regularly scheduled meeting in July through September is consistent with a reduced meeting schedule approved by the City Council for the past thirteen years. City Council meeting dates in July, August and September would be Tuesday, July 15, Tuesday, August 19 and Monday, September 22 with an additional request to keep the first Tuesday in July and September reserved for special meetings as needed. Action: Approved recommendation. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None 7. POLICY MATTERS Capital Improvement Program Study Session Receive a presentation on the City’s current Capital Improvement Program (CIP), discuss potential changes or additions to the CIP, and provide possible direction to staff regarding preparation of next year’s CIP as part of the City’s Fiscal Year 2014-15 budget process. Presenter: Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director. Action: Received presentation. Discussion held. Moved, seconded (Lyman/Benassini; Ayes – Councilmembers Benassini, Bridges, Lyman and Mayor Abelson; Noes – None; Absent – Councilmember Friedman) to include the following projects listed on the CIP wish list (supplemental powerpoint slide 23): 1) Hillside Natural Area Improvements (trails and landscaping); 2) Citywide Path/Stairway/Boardwalk Rehabilitation & Improvement; 3) Urban Forest Management Plan Improvements; 4) Canyon Trail Clubhouse Improvements; 5) Park Facilities Rehabilitation & Improvements; and 6) Creek Major Maintenance & Restoration to the existing list of projects identified in the ten year capital improvement plan. 8. COUNCIL LOCAL AND REGIONAL LIAISON ASSIGNMENT REPORTS Mayoral and City Council communications regarding local and regional liaison assignments and committee reports. (Held over to the May 20, 2014 City Council meeting.) 9. ADJOURNED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING at 9:54 p.m. SUPPLEMENTAL REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS Item No. 4(A) Contra Costa Community College District Facility Needs & Priorities: Information about Measure E 1. Resolution in Support of Measure E, Contra Costa Community College District – Submitted by John Marquez, President, Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board. 2. Additional information about Measure E, Contra Costa Community College District Bond – Submitted by Denise Noldon, Ph.D., President, Contra Costa College. Item No. 4(B) Update from West Contra Costa Unified School District on School Construction Activities 3. Bond Program Projects May 2014 Powerpoint presentation – Submitted by Bill Fay, Assistant Superintendent, West Contra Costa Unified School District. 4. Portola Middle School Project Status Powerpoint Presentation – Submitted by Bill Fay, Assistant Superintendent, West Contra Costa Unified School District. 5. Community Update Portola Middle School at Castro Project - Submitted by Bill Fay, Assistant Superintendent, West Contra Costa Unified School District. 6. Harding Elementary School Update - Submitted by Bill Fay, Assistant Superintendent, West Contra Costa Unified School District. 7. El Cerrito High School Stadium Update – Submitted by Bill Fay, Assistant Superintendent, West Contra Costa Unified School District. Item No. 5(C) Landscape and Lighting Assessment District No. 1988-1 Resolution of Intent to Order Improvements and Set the Date for the Public Hearing as May 20, 2014 ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 6 of 6 Version: 5/15/2014 8. LLAD Engineers Report, Section 9: individual parcel assessments list – Submitted by Lori Treviño, Senior Financial Analyst. Item No. 7 Capital Improvement Program Study Session 9. Revised powerpoint presentation – Submitted by Yvetteh Ortiz, Public Works Director. Other: 10. Fire-prone invasives, Hillside Natural Area, Main Section – Submitted by Susan Schwartz, Friends of Five Creeks. 11. League of California Cities Legislative Action Day Preview Briefing on Priority Bills – Submitted by Mayor Abelson.