HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-10 City Council Summary Minutes
1 11/10/08
Special Meeting
November 10, 2008
STUDY SESSION...................................................................................3
1. Review Housing Needs Analysis for the [Stanford University Medical
Center and Stanford Shopping Center] Projects.................................3
2. Annual Joint Meeting with the Historic Resources Board Regarding
Issues Relating to Historic Preservation............................................4
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY................................................................5
3. Report on Semi-Final Results on Measure N......................................5
CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS..................................................................5
4. Resolution 8884 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Condemnation of Racial Profiling and Affirming a Policy
of Zero Tolerance for Racial Profiling................................................6
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS.......................................................................11
APPROVAL OF MINUTES .........................................................................12
CONSENT CALENDAR.............................................................................12
5. Resolution 8885 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Approving the Ameresco Butte County Renewable Energy Power
Purchase Agreement for the Acquisition of Up to Four Average
Megawatts of Energy Over Twenty Years at an Estimated Cost Not to
Exceed $71 Million ........................................................................12
6. Approval of a Utilities Enterprise Fund Contract for Citywide Water and
Wastewater Operations Services With EPS, Inc. (dba Express
Plumbing) for Up to Three Years in an Amount Not to Exceed $350,000
Per Year ......................................................................................12
7. Adoption of a Water Fund Budget Amendment Ordinance 5021 in the
Amount of $35,000 and Approval of an Amendment No. 2 to Contract
11/10/08 2
C07120333 With RMC Water & Environment, Inc. in the Amount of
$35,000 for a Total Not to Exceed Amount of $302,700 for Completion
of a Recycled Water Facility Plan and Preparation of Environmental
Documents for Capital Improvement Program Project WS-07001,
(Recycled Water Distribution System Extension.................................12
8. Approval of a Contract With IMR Contractor Corporation in the Amount
of $234,500 for the Animal Placement Center (Animal Services Center)
Maintenance and Accessibility Renovations General Construction
Services – Capital Improvement Program Project PE-04014................12
9. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Purchase Order C08124799 with
Western States Oil for an Additional Amount of $250,000 Per Year for
a Three Year Term in a Total Not to Exceed $3,582,000 for Provision of
Automotive Fuel ...........................................................................13
REPORTS OF OFFICIALS.........................................................................13
10. Approval of Contracts with: 1) Artist Bruce Beasley in the Amount of
$190,000, and 2) Aaron Garfunkel Landscapes, Inc. in the Amount of
$35,500, for the Creation and Installation of a New Fountain Replacing
the Damaged Fountain on California Avenue.....................................13
COUNCIL COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND REPORTS FROM CONFERENCES ......19
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 12:37 a.m...............................20
11/10/08 3
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council
Chambers at 6:05 p.m.
Present: Barton arrived at 7:40 p.m., Burt, Drekmeier, Espinosa, Kishimoto,
Klein arrived at 7:40 p.m., Morton, Schmid, Yeh arrived at 6:22
p.m.
Absent:
STUDY SESSION
Vice Mayor Drekmeier announced that Mayor Klein would not be
participating in the Study Session due to his wife being on staff at Stanford
University.
Vice Mayor Drekmeier announced that Council Member Barton would not be
participating in the Study Session due to his being on staff at Stanford
University.
1. Review Housing Needs Analysis for the [Stanford University Medical
Center and Stanford Shopping Center] Projects
Staff provided status on the review of the [Stanford University Medical
Center and Stanford Shopping Center] Projects (Projects), including the
status of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) the fiscal analysis, hotel
study and Development Agreement preparation. Staff stated that housing
was not specifically included in the request by the applicants. The EIR would
contain an analysis of the housing impacts generated. The Village Concept
alternative in the EIR would contain housing in order to reduce automobile
trips. The City's employment and housing sub-consultant, Keyser Marston
Associates (KMA), informed the Council of the possible employment
generation and housing impacts from the Projects. KMA described the
various rates of worker households that could be housed within Palo Alto.
Jean McCown, Stanford University, cited key policy areas that should be
considered which affected the hospital financially with the additional housing
plan.
Elaine Meyer, 609 Kingsley Avenue, spoke of the many Palo Alto
neighborhoods that remained against further residential developments.
Janna Scott, 20 California Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, spoke on the fee
ordinance for housing impacts. She stated the fees will address concerns
and not cause a burden.
11/10/08 4
Linda Cornell, 920 Evelyn Street #8, Menlo Park, a Stanford hospital
employee spoke on hospital employment and the need for a stable workforce
at the Medical Center in their new contract considerations.
MOTION: Council Member Burt moved, seconded by Council Member
Espinosa to continue the Council comments to December 15, 2008.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Council Member Schmid moved, seconded by
Council Member Morton to proceed with the discussion tonight.
Council Member Morton stated it would be a mistake not to continue the
discussion.
Council Member Kishimoto agreed to continue the discussion. She
suggested a third session on December 15, 2008, or a Saturday Study
Session to integrate further issues.
Council Member Burt stated there were a number of issues which deserved
further discussion at the later date.
Council Member Espinosa stressed Council’s need for additional discussion
time on the issues beyond the current meeting.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED: 3-4 Kishimoto, Morton, Schmid yes,
Barton, Klein not participating
INCORPORATED INTO MOTION WITH CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND
SECONDER to change the Motion from December 15, 2008 to a date
uncertain.
MOTION PASSED: 6-1 Morton no, Barton, Klein not participating
2. Annual Joint Meeting with the Historic Resources Board Regarding
Issues Relating to Historic Preservation
Historic Resources Board Chair Martin Bernstein began the meeting with a
brief overview of the City’s Historic Preservation Program and Ordinance as
follows:
1) Historic Project Success Stories: Board Members described examples of
recent historic preservation successes that were illustrated with large color
photographic prints mounted on the walls. The properties described were:
1061 Bryant Street, 650 Waverley Street and 520 Ramona Street.
11/10/08 5
2) Overview of Historic Categories: Large photos also provided examples of
Category 1, 2, 3 and 4 buildings of the City Inventory of 461 buildings.
3) Expansion of Preservation Incentives: Discussion of expansion of
incentives for historic preservation that would exempt attics and basements
from floor area calculations to Category 3 and 4 buildings instead of only
Category 1 and 2 buildings.
4) Evaluating Environmental Benefits of Historic Buildings: The benefits of
rehabilitation and reuse of historic structures were summarized as an
effective energy conservation tool.
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
3. Report on Semi-Final Results on Measure N
City Clerk Donna Grider announced that as of November 10, 2008 at 11:00
a.m. the Registrar of Voters tentative results for Measure N show yes votes
with 69.39 percent, with 21,213 votes, and no votes with 30.61 percent,
with 9,359 votes.
Mayor Klein asked if there was an estimate of further vote counts.
Ms. Grider stated an estimate was not available.
Mayor Klein stated this was a victory for those in support of Measure N.
Susie Thom, 753 Maplewood Place, thanked Council and the community for
their support and endorsement of Measure N.
Mayor Klein introduced Alison Cormack. Prior to her speaking he commended
her on her work, and the work of the Committee on Measure N.
Alison Cormack, 3487 Ross Road, spoke on the hard work and the relay race
nature of keeping the Measure alive and its ultimate passage. She thanked
and commended those involved.
CITY MANAGERS COMMENTS
City Manager, James Keene, gave updates on the 310 University Avenue and
278 University Avenue construction projects. He cited employee
recognitions for Larry Perlin, Chief Building Official, who received the
Certified Green Building Professional Award from the Build it Green
11/10/08 6
Organization. He stated Rhonda Parkhurst, Electrical Inspector Specialist,
was appointed to a taskforce for solar voltaic systems. In the sustainability
realm, he stated the City of Palo Alto was recognized with a Green Power
Leadership Award and the Small Residential Commercial Green Program
Supplier of the Year designation. A new program was being soft launched by
Parks & Recreation to encourage health and wellness, “Let’s Go Palo Alto.”
4. Resolution 8884 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Expressing Condemnation of Racial Profiling and Affirming a Policy
of Zero Tolerance for Racial Profiling
City Manager, James Keene, restated the issue was brought back by
Council’s request in order to affirm their position on Resolution 8884.
Council Member Morton asked that the title be changed to reflect the interior
of the resolution. He suggested it state that it was an affirmation of a policy
that has been in place for many years.
Council Member Burt asked staff to make it clear that there was no
competing interest in crime protection and prohibition of racial profiling.
Mr. Keene agreed this was a good point. He stated it was obvious that
addressing crime was important to all community members. He stressed the
importance of keeping the City safe while also preventing racial profiling.
Council Member Yeh asked how the Police Department was doing on
compliance with the existing policy on education and training.
Police Agent, Dan Ryan, stated the Department conducts training on this
issue every two years, with the policy discussed each year.
Council Member Yeh asked if there was a connection between the data
collected and what was seen in practice. He asked how this affected
training.
Mr. Ryan asked which data he was referring to.
Council Member Yeh stated it was the documentation and data collection in
several police stop categories. He asked how this information was analyzed
for training potentiality.
Mr. Ryan stated the data was collected and reported to the Human Relations
Commission and Council every quarter, or every six months. He stated it
11/10/08 7
was reviewed daily by the Sergeants. Supervisors were made aware of the
day-to-day trends within specific squad units.
Mr. Keene stated the City collected data and has historical and ongoing data,
including video, available for analysis. He stated the Independent Police
Auditor will be looking at the data trends and past data collection for
informational patterns for future training.
Aram James, spoke in reference to the Hopkin’s case of September 2004.
He quoted from a newspaper article he wrote regarding this case and racial
profiling. He stated this was an ongoing issue.
Mark Petersen-Perez, Palo Alto spoke regarding racial profiling as an
insidious and pandemic issue. He cited a SWAT team incident he witnessed
during the recent peaceful march. He spoke to the need for reform, change
and the resignation of the Police Chief.
Betty Ann Bryant, 4270 Terman Drive #205, spoke on racial profiling. She
gave an example of her son being stopped for a burnt out license plate light
in prior years. She stated profiling existed in the community.
Jay Boyarsky spoke on his experience in reviewing police records. In his
experience, the department dealt with concerns gracefully. He spoke
positively about the Police Chief’s record.
Ron Wormley stated the racial profiling was occurring in certain
neighborhoods. He suggested community involvement in reporting any
instances.
John K. Abraham, 736 Ellsworth Place, spoke to the need for data besides
monitoring stops.
Vanual Hayes, Jr., 2145 Edgewood Drive, stated the problem was not racial
profiling in the way the Police Chief made her comments. He supported her
and asked Council and Community do the same.
William Byron Webster, 480 East O’Keefe #307, East Palo Alto, stated racial
profiling had existed in Palo Alto for many years.
Ronna Devincenzi, 2600 El Camino #100, stated she was at the meeting
where the controversy began. She stated the Police Chief had not spoken
about racial profiling, and the community should keep it in perspective.
11/10/08 8
Joseph Ciampi, 1116 Bryant Street, cited his own personal experiences being
stopped by the police on numerous occasions, based on his appearance. He
stated audio, video and other data files regarding this have been altered.
Eric Stuart, East Palo Alto, stated he was a living example of racial profiling.
He stated the Police Chief’s remarks were racist. He stated policy changes
were necessary, but that people needed to change too.
Michael Frankus, 224 Gardenia Way, East Palo Alto, spoke on the peaceful
march that had occurred recently. He stated it was Council’s decision on
what to do regarding the Police Chief’s remarks.
Gail Noble, 3424 Thumberhall Lane, San Jose, spoke on racial profiling with
regard to her son. She stated she fought for her son on all levels. She
stated the profiling should stop.
Kayla Cundiff, 122 Hamilton Avenue, Vice Chair of the Palo Alto Chamber of
Commerce, stated they supported the condemnation of racial profiling. She
spoke of keeping Palo Alto safe for all citizens.
Maya Perkins, 400 County Center #104, Redwood City, read a letter into the
record from Supervisor Rose Jacob-Gibson’s office in San Mateo County.
Brandon Evershed, 757 Stern Avenue, spoke on culture, religion and
heritage. He stated racial profiling was demoralizing for communities.
Herb Borock, P.O. Box 632, spoke on racial profiling and the police auditor’s
duties in this arena. He also spoke about the police data reports.
Jeff Moore, 722 Calero Avenue, San Jose, spoke on the number of law
enforcement members present during the recent peaceful march. He spoke
on the history of racial profiling and the need for change at all levels.
Mr. Keene made clarifying comments about the Resolution. He stated it was
a necessary first step.
Jamila N. Wright, 2503 Hazelwood Way, East Palo Alto, expressed concerns
over effectiveness of the data collection for police stops.
Glenda Savage, 2201 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, stated she was at
the recent march. She cited seven recommendations to be considered in
affecting change in regard to the racial profiling issue.
11/10/08 9
Shauna Mora, a member of the Historic Resources Board, spoke on the
police stop data received by the Human Relations Commission. She gave
information on what was included in the data.
Stephanie Munoz, 101 Alma, spoke on racial profiling and stated Council
should look at discretionary stops.
MOTION: Council Member Morton moved, seconded by Mayor Klein to
adopt the Resolution Condemning Racial Profiling and Reaffirming a Policy of
Zero Tolerance for Racial Profiling.
Council Member Morton stated the Resolution reaffirmed what most in the
community believe regarding respect of community individuals. He cited
many organized efforts in the Palo Alto area which have ensured the
enrichment in the lives and future of its citizens. He stressed the difficulties
of speaking in public where words can be misconstrued, and apologies are
necessary. He stressed the community must go on from there.
Council Member Kishimoto asked staff to clarify what the specific instructions
were for Police Officers and traffic stops.
Mr. Keene asked her to further clarify the question.
Council Member Kishimoto stated it regarded the specific instructions given
to the Police Officers with regard to traffic stops.
Mr. Ryan stated with a minor equipment violation, the Police Officer may
issue a warning or citation. If it was a legitimate violation of the vehicle
and/or other criminal code, the Police Officer has the right and ability to
make contact and detention based on the technical violation.
Council Member Kishimoto asked if a license plate light was a technical
violation.
Mr. Ryan stated it was and up to the Police Officer’s discretion on whether to
issue a fix-it ticket or verbal warning.
Council Member Kishimoto asked what percentage of total arrests derive
from traffic stops.
Mr. Ryan stated it was more than 50%.
Council Member Kishimoto commented further on the racial profiling issue.
She attended the rally and thanked the community for their
11/10/08 10
communications. She acknowledged the difficult job of being a Police Officer
as well. She spoke on the effects of the recent crime wave on residents and
the challenge of dealing with all of these issues simultaneously. She spoke
on parolees and crime in the East Palo Alto area. She gave information on
the Tri-City Youth and Business Summit.
Council Member Barton stated disappointment in not having done more in
the past in this arena. He was in support of the Resolution. He spoke on
further actions being taken to heal the community.
Council Member Yeh asked what the timeframe was regarding the Police
Auditor’s work.
Mr. Keene stated a meeting would occur in the coming week to discuss the
timeframe. He stated it will return to Council.
City Attorney, Gary Baum, stated a small subcommittee could be appointed
to write the scope of the Police Auditor.
Mr. Keene clarified the question as being when specifically the audit results
would return to Council. He stated staff could return by the next Council
meeting on December 1, 2008. He stated information on progress could be
provided publicly along the way.
Council Member Yeh acknowledged that there were quarterly data presented
to the Human Relations Committee.
Council Member Schmid stated the current Motion gave opportunity to
reaffirm the City’s policies.
Vice Mayor Drekmeier stated this was an ongoing problem but there was
also the opportunity to move forward positively. He spoke on the positive
effects of the rally and an open dialogue in this situation.
Council Member Espinosa shared the feeling that it was important to move
forward. He stressed there was a crime problem and there needed to be
police support. He also acknowledged the obligations and check system that
must be in place for this power. He stated it was Council’s responsibility to
address any ongoing concerns. He stressed the Resolution was an important
first step. He stressed working with bordering communities on this issue as
well as other community issues.
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER (changes to paragraph 3) to add to the sentence:
11/10/08 11
will review the Police Department’s policy, training, practices, and profile
data regarding racial profiling.
Council Member Burt commented and shared his thoughts and concerns over
his shared responsibility for not having taken strong initiative steps in this
area. He stressed the need to continue working on the racial gaps in the
community and the need for ongoing dialogue and understanding. He
expressed concern over the Police Chief’s initial comments, the retraction
and the inconsistency in both comments. He cited a specific incident
brought to his attention by the community, of a man who did not meet the
profile police sketch, but who was followed through the area to his final
destination. He stressed the need for reconciliation of these inconsistencies.
He spoke to sharing the task of overcoming these issues with the area
communities.
Mayor Klein stated he was often the spokesperson on community matters.
He spoke to the damage discrimination causes. He spoke to the
unacceptable nature of the Police Chief’s comments. He stated the
unfortunate incident has placed emphasis on the continued need to work on
these issues. The Resolution was the first step in the ongoing process and
he was in full support.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
MOTION: Council Member Yeh moved, seconded by Council Member Burt
to require quarterly reports be provided to City Council using all
demographic data from the Police Department.
Council Member Yeh stated the uptake in crime made this necessary to keep
checks and balances on the Police Department and the ability to report this
information back to the community. He also encouraged community
members and others who are concerned to consider the Police Department’s
Ride Along program in order to be aware of what goes on with the Police
Officers and their work. He stressed the immediate effects of participation at
a local community level.
Council Member Burt stressed the outstanding work of the Police
Department and their attempts to do the right thing.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Aram James spoke regarding Police matters.
11/10/08 12
Stephanie Munoz, 101 Alma, spoke regarding the proposed new police
station.
Gail Noble, 3424 Thimblehall Lane, San Jose, spoke regarding zero-tolerance
for racial profiling due to the effects it had on area youth.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Council Member Barton moved, seconded by Council Member
Morton to approve the minutes of October 6, 2008.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION: Council Member Morton moved, seconded by Mayor Klein to
approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 5-9.
5. Resolution 8885 entitled “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Approving the Ameresco Butte County Renewable Energy Power
Purchase Agreement for the Acquisition of Up to Four Average
Megawatts of Energy Over Twenty Years at an Estimated Cost Not to
Exceed $71 Million
6. Approval of a Utilities Enterprise Fund Contract for Citywide Water and
Wastewater Operations Services With EPS, Inc. (dba Express
Plumbing) for Up to Three Years in an Amount Not to Exceed $350,000
Per Year
7. Adoption of a Water Fund Budget Amendment Ordinance 5021 in the
Amount of $35,000 and Approval of an Amendment No. 2 to Contract
C07120333 With RMC Water & Environment, Inc. in the Amount of
$35,000 for a Total Not to Exceed Amount of $302,700 for Completion
of a Recycled Water Facility Plan and Preparation of Environmental
Documents for Capital Improvement Program Project WS-07001,
(Recycled Water Distribution System Extension
8. Approval of a Contract With IMR Contractor Corporation in the Amount
of $234,500 for the Animal Placement Center (Animal Services Center)
Maintenance and Accessibility Renovations General Construction
Services – Capital Improvement Program Project PE-04014
9. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Purchase Order C08124799 with
Western States Oil for an Additional Amount of $250,000 Per Year for
11/10/08 13
a Three Year Term in a Total Not to Exceed $3,582,000 for Provision of
Automotive Fuel
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
REPORTS OF OFFICIALS
10. Approval of Contracts with: 1) Artist Bruce Beasley in the Amount of
$190,000, and 2) Aaron Garfunkel Landscapes, Inc. in the Amount of
$35,500, for the Creation and Installation of a New Fountain Replacing
the Damaged Fountain on California Avenue
Council Member Morton advised that he would not be participating in this
item as his new office was located within 500 feet of the California Avenue
fountain area. He left the meeting at 11:00 p.m.
Linda Craighead, Division Manager for Arts & Sciences, Public Art
Commission Liaison, gave an overview of the fountain project.
Council Member Barton asked what prevention measure would keep the new
fountain area from being backed into by trucks.
Ms. Craighead stated the proposed fountain would sit in the original footprint
and also have setbacks to prevent damage by trucks.
Council Member Espinosa asked if that was the only solution to the truck
problem.
Ms. Craighead stated they could not guarantee this and would have to look
at logistics or other barriers.
Council Member Espinosa acknowledged the hard work that went into this
project proposal. He asked if staff was surprised by the outpouring of
concern by the community regarding the project.
Ms. Craighead stated she was not surprised by public input and comment.
She stated that the three-year ongoing process also kept it in the public eye
and open for remarks. The process was followed through the Public Art
Commission meetings and the public was made aware of the process. She
stated a main concern was whether or not the water feature would remain
and the intention was to keep that in place.
Council Member Espinosa asked if the Public Art Commission saw this as
fountain and not just a piece of art with a water feature.
11/10/08 14
Ms. Craighead stated the original commission of the fountain was for artists
who would propose a fountain creation within their work of art.
Council Member Espinosa stated this was an issue of process and noted that
public art was controversial. He asked why staff did not approach this with
several pieces showcased, with a public vote on the ultimate piece.
Ms. Craighead indicated that in past years other processes have been
utilized in selecting public art; however, a sole-source process was used by
the Public Art Commission in determining and selecting the artist for this
project.
Council Member Schmid stated the existing fountain area was a site where
the community was hesitant about change. He asked why another area of
the City could not be considered as the open avenue area for the Beasley
project.
Ms. Craighead stated this was an opportunity to do both in reworking the
current area.
Council Member Schmid stated that numbers added up with more outcry
against the project in signatures, petitions and letters. He stressed what
already existed was very special and merited consideration. He suggested
the Beasley sculpture be considered at another location.
Ms. Craighead stated the question was whether or not a fountain remained,
or would the community like to see a sculpture in its place.
Council Member Burt stated it was important to accurately acknowledge the
sequence of events in the project process. He stated initially the fountain or
water element of the project was eliminated due to financial concerns which
then drew responses from the neighborhood. Subsequent to this, initiatives
made it possible to return the water element to the original design.
Ms. Craighead stated he was correct in the timeline and process.
Mayor Klein asked what would happen to the monetary difference if the
Council decided to choose a lower cost alternative.
Ms. Craighead cited the two funding sources and stated with a low-cost
alternative, this would go back to the Public Art Commission for
consideration.
11/10/08 15
Mayor Klein asked if a balance in the Public Art Commission’s budget would
make it possible for the Beasley project to continue at another location.
Ms. Craighead stated this was possible and those dollars were committed to
the arts.
City Manager, James Keene, reiterated that the existing amount in the Art
and Public Places Programs is $135,000. It is anticipated another
appropriation of $50,000 is anticipated for a potential total project cost of
$185,000.
Mr. Keene stated that Mayor Klein’s inquiry on where the additional $45,000
for the repair work on the fountain was correct, further stating that the
funds would be allocated from the Department of Public Works.
Mayor Klein indicated that the Beasley Project’s potential total cost is
roughly $225,000.
Mr. Keene stated that an additional $50,000 was allocated from the
California Avenue Improvements Fund; further stating that this brings the
grand total project cost to approximately $225,000.
Council Member Espinosa took issue with the idea that the general populous
did not want California Avenue to have this project as an Avenue to the Arts.
He stated that while residents may not like particular pieces, they added to
the culture and vibrancy in the area.
Vic Befera, 2180 High Street, spoke of the frivolous nature of a public art
sculpture expenditure in consideration of current economic times.
Stephanie Munoz, 101 Alma, spoke on improving the existing fountain rather
than the expenditure of building an entirely new piece of art and water.
Ellen Wyman, 546 Washington Avenue, stressed the importance of
considering keeping the original fountain when considering the cost.
Jan Murphy, 460 Martinsen Court, spoke on keeping the existing fountain
and looking for ways to protect it from trucks.
Charlotte Epstein, 3192 Waverley Street supported looking into an
improvement in the area that would include a fountain feature and not just
be a piece of art with water. She stated community members liked the
fountain feature.
11/10/08 16
Cecilia Horn, 3470 Janice Way, stated in her petition-gathering experience,
the majority of the community wanted to keep the fountain feature.
Mae Kenrick, 2255 Ramona, trusted that Council would vote with wisdom
and economy, and throw in a little appreciation for fountains.
Tom Wyman, 546 Washington Avenue, stated a basic consideration was the
fact that the outcome was paid for in tax dollars. He stated the public
weighed in and wished to retain the current fountain.
Ronna Devenci, stated money would be spent and her hope was that the
money be spent on California Avenue and the Avenue of Art aspects. She
stated the Beasley Fountain was a generous proposed addition to the area.
Tammy Gravelle, 2315 Ramona Street, spoke on the decision-making
process for the fountain project. She wanted the fountain to remain.
Jan St. Peter, 2139 High Street, spoke to a more open process in what was
being considered in the existing fountain area. She voiced concern over the
Beasley piece on the fountain site.
Elise DeMarzo, Art Commissioner, 350 Sharon Park Drive #I-5, Menlo Park,
spoke on her experiences in the art and stated the Beasley piece was a good
opportunity for the area.
Ron Cooper, 13500 Graton Road, Sebastopol, stated people had their rights
exercised in this project and was in support of the Beasley piece.
Sanford Forte, 280 College Avenue, spoke in favor of the Beasley piece.
MOTION: Council Member Barton moved, seconded by Council Member
XXXX to approve staff recommendations to authorize the City Manager or his
designee to execute the contract in the amount of $190,000 with Bruce
Beasley for the creation of a fountain for California Avenue located at
California Avenue and Park Boulevard and the contract in the amount of
$35,500 with Aaron Garfunkel Landscapes, Inc. for the installation of the
fountain.
MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
MOTION: Council Member Burt moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Drekmeier
to have staff evaluate placement of the Beasley piece at the Mitchell Park
Library as the centerpiece and use funds that are allocated as part of the art
funds included in the bond measure to fund the Beasley piece, retain funding
11/10/08 17
from Public Works and the Public Art Commission to have an improved
fountain at the present location on California Avenue with a committee of
California Avenue District Association (CADA), Public Art Commission (PAC),
and neighborhood associations.
Council Member Espinosa spoke to giving Mr. Beasley consideration in
whether or not the piece he designed for California Avenue would be what he
would also have designed for an area such as Mitchell Park.
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER to have Mr. Beasley evaluate a piece for the
Mitchell Park Library.
Council Member Espinosa voiced concerns over a generic fountain in this
area or something that does not make a statement. He asked that the
process be continued with additional public process and community voting.
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER to have the Public Art Commission create a
fountain design with input from the public through a process similar to
Mitchell Park.
Council Member Kishimoto thanked members of the Public Art Commission
for their hard work.
Mr. Keene stated it was the evaluation of the placement of a Beasley
sculpture at Mitchell Park Library and the funding aspects.
Council Member Kishimoto asked if the final decision remained with the PAC.
Mr. Keene stated it was Council’s decision if it was returned to the PAC.
City Attorney Baum stated, by Ordinance, the PAC makes the final decision
unless otherwise directed by Council.
Council Member Burt stated the design recommendation made by the PAC
would come back to Council if so directed for final approval.
Council Member Kishimoto stated the PAC’s job was to do art and not design
fountains, so this would be an off-the-shelf product or replacement.
Council Member Burt indicated that there was $50,000 allocated to this
project from the Public Work’s budget; further stating that this money was
at the discretion of the PAC’s recommendations.
11/10/08 18
Council Member Kishimoto asked for specific wording on fund usage.
Mr. Keene stated the typical process engaged artists in some way in the
project design. He stated CAADA could ask the community to weigh in on
the multiple options.
Mayor Klein stated this was not quite clear and asked for further clarification
on the definition of neighborhood representatives.
Council Member Burt stated his understanding was it was a process similar
to the Mitchell Park process. He deferred to staff on how to best elicit the
public input on the recommendations from the PAC.
Mayor Klein stated there was a real distinction in the difference of public
process and neighborhood representation.
Council Member Espinosa went over the steps the current process would
take in keeping with the process that was done at Mitchell Park. This
included consideration by the PAC, public presentation of the ideas, public
dialogue and process.
Council Member Burt stated the description was acceptable and also allowed
staff to come up with appropriate community participation measures.
Council Member Schmid asked for clarification of where they were in the
process.
Council Member Espinosa stated the artist would be asked to consider
creation of a piece for Mitchell Park with dollars already designated for public
art. He stated it would return to the PAC and then undergo a public vote.
Council Member Schmid stated he supported the Motion. He supported the
decision to leave the fountain where it was on California Avenue. He
reiterated the importance of Mr. Beasley and his artistic flare which was a
welcome addition to Mitchell Park.
Council Member Barton stated he was against the Motion. He stated choices
and processes to this point were fair and clear.
Mayor Klein agreed on the major points made on choices and processes. He
did not support any of these considerations regarding Mr. Beasley and/or art
being brought back to Council with regard to Mitchell Park. He felt this was
11/10/08 19
better handled by the PAC. He understood the basic principle that people
like and support fountains as a rule.
Council Member Burt was not interested in this returning to Council.
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER to not to bring the issue back to Council for
approval.
Council Member Espinosa hoped for quick response to all that was discussed.
He asked if staff was concerned about where this ended.
Ms. Craighead stated with regard to Mitchell Park, she had a conversation
with Mr. Beasley, and that he was frustrated by the public art process.
However, she stated he would likely remain on board for the creation of a
piece for consideration at Mitchell Park.
Mayor Klein stated the PAC should not be constrained in their efforts, and
that the fountain issue was an exception.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Mayor Klein moved, seconded by Council Member
XXXX to adopt the replacement option.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Council Member Espinosa stated this was an unprecedented case where the
community mobilized on their thoughts and feelings on what was best for
that location.
Council Member Barton cited his concerns over the actual wording of the
petition and what community members were voicing decision upon. He did
not believe that the end decision was a true representation of the will of the
people.
Mayor Klein stated the art at Mitchell Park would be funded in part by the
One Percent For Art, and it would be referred back to the PAC in process and
would involve the public in the end.
MOTION PASSED: 7-1 Barton no, Morton abstaining
COUNCIL COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND REPORTS FROM CONFERENCES
Council Member Kishimoto reported that on Saturday, November 8, 2008
she attended the dedication of the Michael Zabo piece at Mitchell Park and
gave thanks to staff for their work.
11/10/08 20
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 12:37 a.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
City Clerk Mayor
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