HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-04-19 City Council Summary Minutes Special Meeting April 19, 1999 1. Interviews for Public Art Commission..................88-176 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS........................................88-176 ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.............88-176
1. Resolution 7845 entitled ΑResolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Expressing Appreciation to Edward J. Mrizek
for Outstanding Public Service Upon His Retirement≅ ...88-177 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS........................................88-178 1A. (Old Item No. 2) Appointment of John Ulrich as Director of Utilities and Approval of Additional Relocation Benefits88-178 1B. (Old Item No. 14) San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Agreement Between the City of Palo Alto, the City of Menlo Park, the City of East Palo Alto, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and the San Mateo County Flood Control District for the Primary Purpose of Managing the Joint Contribution of Services and Providing Policy Direction on Issues of Mutual Concern...............................................88-179 ORAL COMMUNICATION.........................................88-182 APPROVAL OF MINUTES........................................88-182 3. The Finance Committee recommends to the City Council approval of the staff recommendation re the 1998-99 Midyear Financial Summary, to adopt the Budget Amendment Ordinance reflecting mid-year adjustments to the 1998-99 Budget on the basis of updated revenue, expenditure, and reserve balance projections, a proposed Utilities Capital Improvement Program project for the remodel of the third floor of the Civic Center, an adjustment to a Storm Drainage Fund Capital Improvement Program project, and a change to the Table of Organization.88-182
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4. The Finance Committee recommends to the City Council, adoption of the staff recommendation re the Proposed Implementation Plan for Direct Access for Gas Utility Customers......88-182 5. Introduction of Ordinances Adopting Various Parts of the 1998 California Building Standards Code (Consisting of State Amendments to the 1997 Uniform Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes, and the 1996 National Electrical Code); Enacting Local Amendments; Making Certain Findings; and Setting a Public Hearing for May 10, 1999.............88-183
6. Resolution 7847 entitled ΑResolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Adding Chapter 18 to the Merit System Rules and Regulations Regarding the Memorandum of Agreement Between
the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Fire Chiefs=
Association≅ ..........................................88-183 7. Agreement Between the City of Palo Alto and the County of Santa Clara County Relating to the Improvement and Maintenance of Sand Hill Road.....................................88-184 8. Increase Authority in the Amount of $175,000 to Contract No. C4045515 Between the City of Palo Alto and Arbor Tree Surgery, Inc. for Line Clearance Tree Trimming Requirements....88-184 9. Contract Between the City of Palo Alto and Hot Line Construction Inc. For the Replacement of Utility Wood Poles, Fuses/Cutouts, Connectors/Clamps and Rebuilding the Distribution System in the Foothills Area.............88-184 10. Approval of an Ordinance to Amend the Municipal Fee Schedule to Increase Fees by $369,517 to Cover Costs Associated with the Development Center, including Fees Contained in the 1997 Uniform Building Code.................................88-184 11. Finance Committee re Cost Recovery Options for Development Center................................................88-186 12. Policy and Services Committee re Approval of Amendments to Chapters 10.04, 10.36, 10.40, 10.44, and 10.60 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code Regulating Stopping, Standing, and Parking of Vehicles...........................................88-187 13. Policy and Services Committee Adopting a New Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map and Making Minor
Revisions to the City=s Flood Hazard Regulations ......88-188 15. Mayor Fazzino re Cancellation of the April 26, 1999, Regular City Council Meeting..................................88-189 16. Council Comments, Questions, and Announcements........88-189
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ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.............88-189
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The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers at 5:40 p.m. PRESENT: Eakins, Fazzino, Huber, Kniss, Mossar, Ojakian, Rosenbaum, Wheeler ABSENT: Schneider SPECIAL MEETING 1. Interviews for Public Art Commission No action required. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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Regular Meeting April 19, 1999 The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers at 7:05 p.m. PRESENT: Eakins, Fazzino, Huber, Kniss, Mossar, Ojakian, Rosenbaum, Schneider, Wheeler SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
1. Resolution 7845 entitled ΑResolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Expressing Appreciation to Edward J. Mrizek
for Outstanding Public Service Upon His Retirement≅ City Manager June Fleming said Mr. Mrizek was an employee she had known almost her entire career with the City. Mr. Mrizek started working in the Utilities Department in 1969, before she was appointed City Manager. Mr. Mrizek was appointed Director of Utilities in 1993. The health, vitality, and prominence the City
enjoys in the utility arena was due largely to Mr. Mrizek=s untiring efforts and his participation not only in the City to ensure reliable and competitive services to the community, but to
the entire state of California. Due to Mr. Mrizek=s expertise and efforts, the City enjoyed a premiere spot among municipal utilities. She thanked Mr. Mrizek for his dedication to the City. MOTION: Vice Mayor Wheeler moved, seconded by Schneider, to adopt the Resolution. MOTION PASSED 9-0. Council Member Rosenbaum thanked Mr. Mrizek for his many years of leadership in the Utility Department. Vice Mayor Wheeler said Mr. Mrizek helped her to understand the workings of the Utility Department. Council Member Ojakian appreciated how open Mr. Mrizek was with information. Council Member Eakins said Mr. Mrizek set a fine standard for the Utilities Department. Mayor Fazzino said Mr. Mrizek was an outstanding Utilities Director. He took over a department that presented challenges, both internal and external, and turned both situations around effectively. He thanked Mr. Mrizek for working with the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) and helping to create a policy advisory role. Mr. Mrizek did an excellent job guiding the City into the
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era of deregulation. Palo Altans received outstanding utilities service. Fred Eyerly, 101 Alma Street, said Mr. Mrizek developed an excellent staff with much expertise in utilities. Mr. Mrizek was fair-minded and an excellent administrator. Paul Johnston, 838 Mesa Court, thanked Mr. Mrizek for the service he provided. The UAC had a good working relationship with Mr. Mrizek and felt comfortable working with him. The biggest challenge in prior years was the move of the electric utility into a deregulated environment. Mr. Mrizek was a leader in deregulation, within the City of Palo Alto, and among municipal utilities in the state. Mayor Fazzino and Council Member Rosenbaum presented the resolution to Ed Mrizek. Ed Mrizek stated that he enjoyed working with the Council, both past and present. He worked closely with Council Member Rosenbaum and former Council Members Jack Sutorius and Fred Eyerly. Mayor Fazzino announced that Agenda Item Nos. 2 and 14 would be moved forward during Oral Communications because it was necessary for the City Manager to leave the meeting. Agenda Item No. 2 would become 1A and Item No. 14 would become 1B. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Fazzino announced Item No. 12 would not deal with the issue of people sleeping in cars. Ben Bailey, 600 Homer Avenue, spoke regarding the upper-income people who are not being cited for jaywalking. Woof Kurtzman and Beth Trailer, 751 Layne Court, spoke regarding
Palo Alto=s Black and White Ball. Annette Ashton, 2247 Bryant Street, spoke regarding residential design guidelines. 1A. (Old Item No. 2) Appointment of John Ulrich as Director of Utilities and Approval of Additional Relocation Benefits City Manager June Fleming recommended the appointment of John Ulrich as Director of Utilities. MOTION: Vice Mayor Wheeler moved, seconded by Council Member Ojakian, to approve the appointment of John Ulrich as Director of Utilities and approval of additional relocation benefits. MOTION PASSED 9-0.
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1B. (Old Item No. 14) San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Agreement Between the City of Palo Alto, the City of Menlo Park, the City of East Palo Alto, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and the San Mateo County Flood Control District for the Primary Purpose of Managing the Joint Contribution of Services and Providing Policy Direction on Issues of Mutual Concern City Manager June Fleming said City of Menlo Park City Manager Jan Dolan worked with her on the item. She asked City Manager Dolan to join her to represent the hard work put together to bring the item to Council for consideration. Palo Alto City staff and Menlo Park City staff worked together in an unusual fashion. When Palo Alto staff dealt with the San Francisquito Creek (the Creek), they realized that Palo Alto was not the only agency impacted. Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), Department of Fish and Game, Stanford, and Portola Valley were affected as well and shared a common concern and goal. The City of Menlo Park assisted in funding stabilization projects and encouraged the City of Palo Alto in forging a relationship together. She urged the Council to approve the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA). Mayor Fazzino acknowledged both City Manager Fleming and City Manager Dolan for their efforts. He thanked Council Member Rosenbaum and City Attorney Calonne for their efforts. Ms. Fleming recognized Joe Teresi and Glenn Roberts for their efforts. Council Member Kniss said the JPA would be the first formal agreement that crossed county lines as well as city lines. She asked what other positive outcomes were anticipated. Ms. Fleming said the Creek was in good condition, due to the efforts of the agencies involved. With a JPA in place, one body would coordinate and look at short-term improvements that could be made as well as lend support in planning the long-term topic of drastically reducing the flooding potential. City Manager Jan Dolan, City of Menlo Park, said the JPA would provide a joint opportunity to contribute to the environmental protection of the Creek and long-term flood protection to life and property. Council Member Kniss asked whether any other cities bordered the Creek. Ms. Dolan said Portola Valley and Woodside did not have jurisdiction over the Creek; however, both cities had jurisdiction in the watershed. She believed that it would be appropriate that
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Portola Valley and Woodside join the JPA as it moved towards planning efforts of flood control. Council Member Rosenbaum asked whether the San Mateo County Flood Control District (SMCFCD) was a comparable agency to the SCVWD. Ms. Dolan said no. The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors shared a dual role as the SMCFCD and were not as advanced in its assessment process. The SMCFCD was the appropriate authority to join the JPA. SMCFCD contributed a one-fourth of the funding for the second phase of the watershed project. Council Member Rosenbaum said work was done that was funded by the SCVWD with respect to the Creek. The staff report (CMR:154:99) mentioned work to be done by the JPA. He asked what the level of coordination was for the activities. Ms. Fleming said staff would continue to coordinate those activities. Greg Zlotnick, Santa Clara Valley Water District, said 2 years prior, the San Francisquito Creek was made a priority issue. He was pleased with the support from the Flood Zone Advisory Committee on which Council Member Rosenbaum served with Council Member Mossar as an alternate. The SCVWD was able to budget $500,000 for initial
studies for a long-term solution. All agency=s staff worked together in terms of coordinating activities. He hoped the SCVWD would be able to budget another $500,000 to continue the work and ensure the process moved forward. C.J. Myers, 1863 Edgewood Drive, was encouraged when Mayor Fazzino stated in January that the most important problem facing the City was the flooding of the Creek. He was discouraged, however, that
the Mayor=s State of the City address did not mention seeking a solution to the flooding. He believed the JPA should first address the problem that Mayor Fazzino identified at his January meeting. Pat Showalter, Coordinator, San Francisquito Creek Coordinated Research Management and Planning (CRMP), said CRMP intended to be an active associate member of the JPA. CRMP worked on creek problems for over 5 years and developed a watershed plan and a compilation on flood studies done in the past. CRMP provided technical expertise and worked hard to develop studies for bank stabilization and revegitation plan. Janet Levy, 1843 Edgewood Drive, praised the leadership of the City Manager and City Attorney in making the JPA a reality. The purpose of the JPA was listed on page 2 of the staff report (CMR:214:99); however, the impact of creekside development was not mentioned. The JPA was a forum for reaching regional consensus on land use policy. She urged the Council to include language regarding creekside development. There were five member entities within the
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JPA. If one of the members withdrew or had a conflict, there would be an even number of voting board members with no provisions for dead lock avoidance. She recommended the Council include provisions for dead lock situations. MOTION: Council Member Kniss moved, seconded by Mossar, to approve the staff recommendation that the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the Joint Powers Agreement between the Cities of Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and East Palo Alto, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and the San Mateo County Flood Control District for the primary purpose of managing the joint contribution of services and providing policy direction on issues of mutual concern relating to San Francisquito Creek. Council Member Kniss asked whether there was a provision made for a dead lock situation. City Attorney Calonne said that the JPA could develop its own procedures. Most of the JPA was designed around consensus with no provisions. Council Member Kniss believed working together would establish an important relationship between the three cities and two counties.
Council Member Ojakian said in regard to Ms. Levy=s comments concerning creekside development, each jurisdiction dealt with development within their comprehensive plans. At a meeting he attended, City Manager Dolan expressed an idea that the purpose of assembling the JPA was to look at the issue around flooding. He
thanked City Managers= Dolan and Fleming for the time they spent working on the JPA. Council Member Schneider felt it was unfortunate that it took the flood of 1998 to bring the Cities together; however, the situation could have been worse, and she was glad that the JPA was finally happening. Mayor Fazzino believed the JPA was an outstanding development. The JPA was important step towards addressing long-term issues associated with the Creek. The issues associated with the Creek were priorities and would be addressed by the JPA. Language contained in the JPA agreement encouraged the JPA to address those
issues. He appreciated Ms. Levy=s comments regarding giving the JPA land use control; however, the reality was that consensus needed to be achieved, and no individual community would relinquish its power over land use. At the same time, the JPA had the power to address any significant impacts on flood control and flood management issues. MOTION PASSED: 9-0.
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ORAL COMMUNICATION Ed Power, 2254 Dartmouth Street, spoke regarding the political machine. Bob Moss, 4010 Orme Street, spoke regarding leash laws. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Council Member Wheeler moved, seconded by Fazzino, to approve the minutes of February 16, 1999, as submitted. MOTION PASSED 5-0, Huber, Kniss, Mossar, and Schneider Αnot
participating≅ on Item No. 7 and 9-0 on remaining agenda items. MOTION: Council Member Wheeler moved, seconded by Fazzino, to approve the minutes of February 17, 1999, as submitted. MOTION PASSED 5-0, Huber, Kniss, Mossar, and Schneider Αnot
participating.≅ CONSENT CALENDAR Council Member Mossar would not participate on Agenda Item No. 7 due to a conflict of interest. MOTION: Council Member Schneider moved, seconded by Kniss, to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 3 - 9. 3. The Finance Committee recommends to the City Council approval of the staff recommendation re the 1998-99 Midyear Financial Summary, to adopt the Budget Amendment Ordinance reflecting mid-year adjustments to the 1998-99 Budget on the basis of updated revenue, expenditure, and reserve balance projections, a proposed Utilities Capital Improvement Program project for the remodel of the third floor of the Civic Center, an adjustment to a Storm Drainage Fund Capital Improvement Program project, and a change to the Table of Organization.
Ordinance 4555 entitled ΑOrdinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the Budget for the Fiscal Year 1998-99 to Adjust Budgeted Revenues and Expenditures in Accordance
with the Recommendations in the Midyear Report≅ 4. The Finance Committee recommends to the City Council, adoption of the staff recommendation re the Proposed Implementation Plan for Direct Access for Gas Utility Customers as follows: 1) approve the initiation and implementation of the City of Palo Alto Natural Gas Direct Access Implementation Plan which updates a program under existing Resolution No. 7522 (CMR:229:95) to allow direct access for natural gas customers;
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2) adopt a Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto approving amendments to Rules and Regulations 2, 6, 7, 11, and 13, and adoption of a new Rule and Regulation 12 of the Utility Rules and Regulations pertaining to implementation of direct access for natural gas customers; and 3) authorize the City Manager or her designee to amend the Plan and associated documents with non-substantive changes and to execute gas service provider agreements.
Resolution 7846 entitled ΑResolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Approving and Adopting Rules and Regulations Governing Utility Services and Fees and Charges Effective September 1, 1999" 5. Introduction of Ordinances Adopting Various Parts of the 1998 California Building Standards Code (Consisting of State Amendments to the 1997 Uniform Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes, and the 1996 National Electrical Code); Enacting Local Amendments; Making Certain Findings; and Setting a Public Hearing for May 10, 1999
Ordinance 1st Reading entitled ΑOrdinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Adopting Parts 2, 4 and 10 of the 1998 California Building Standards Code (1997 Uniform Building Code, 1997 Uniform Mechanical Code and California Historical Building Code, Respectively); Amending Chapter 16.04 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code; and Making Certain Findings with
Respect Thereto≅
Ordinance 1st Reading entitled ΑOrdinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Adopting Part 5 of the 1998 California Building Standards Code (1997 Uniform Plumbing Code); Amending Chapter 16.08 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code; and Making
Certain Findings with Respect Thereto≅
Ordinance 1st Reading entitled ΑOrdinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Adopting Part 3 of the 1998 California Building Standards Code (1996 National Electrical Code); Amending Chapter 16.16 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code; and
Making Certain Findings with Respect Thereto≅
6. Resolution 7847 entitled ΑResolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Adding Chapter 18 to the Merit System Rules and Regulations Regarding the Memorandum of Agreement Between
the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Fire Chiefs=
Association≅
Resolution 7848 entitled ΑResolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Adopting a Compensation Plan for Fire
Chiefs= Association Management Personnel≅
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7. Agreement Between the City of Palo Alto and the County of Santa Clara County Relating to the Improvement and Maintenance of Sand Hill Road Agreement Between the City of Palo Alto and the Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University Regarding the Improvement of Sand Hill Road Between the San Francisquito Creek Bridge and Pasteur Road and Providing for the Maintenance Thereof 8. Increase Authority in the Amount of $175,000 to Contract No. C4045515 Between the City of Palo Alto and Arbor Tree Surgery, Inc. for Line Clearance Tree Trimming Requirements 9. Contract Between the City of Palo Alto and Hot Line Construction Inc. For the Replacement of Utility Wood Poles, Fuses/Cutouts, Connectors/Clamps and Rebuilding the Distribution System in the Foothills Area MOTION PASSED 9-0 for Items No. 3-6, and 8-9. MOTION PASSED 8-0 for Item No. 7, Mossar Αnot participating.≅ PUBLIC HEARINGS Mayor Fazzino would not participate on Agenda Item Nos. 10 and 11 and asked Vice Mayor Wheeler to preside over the two Agenda Items. 10. Approval of an Ordinance to Amend the Municipal Fee Schedule to Increase Fees by $369,517 to Cover Costs Associated with the Development Center, including Fees Contained in the 1997 Uniform Building Code Vice Mayor Wheeler said both Item Nos. 10 and 11 related to the One-Stop Permit Center (the permit center). Both items were referred to the Finance Committee. She asked Finance Committee Chair Joe Huber to make a presentation. Council Member Huber said the Finance Committee voted 4-0 on the item. The Finance Committee discussed the extra fees necessary to meet the total cost recovery. Staff recommended increasing fees and reviewing the entire City wide fee schedule. The Council directed the Finance Committee to find a way to cover the total cost and to perform a cost study if required. Council Member Ojakian said when the Council referred the item to the Finance Committee, there was a question about the overhead charge that was taken away from the Building Department. He wondered whether the Finance Committee had a chance to review the overhead charge.
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Administrative Service Director Yeats said the overhead was not reviewed; however, staff retained in the budget for the upcoming year the money to hire a consultant to do a user fee study and review the overhead charged to the departments city wide. Council Member Ojakian clarified that the consultant would perform an overview of the overhead charge and that possibly some additional funds would return to the permit center. Mr. Yeats said that was correct. Council Member Ojakian asked whether an increase in fees would result if additional funds were returned to the permit center. Ms. Harrison said that was correct. Council Member Ojakian asked whether staff spoke with the people who would be affected by the fee increases. Mr. Yeats said staff spoke with the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, manufacturers, and other organizations in the community, and responses were positive. Council Member Schneider said it was possible that there would be less overhead instead of more overhead. The current overhead methodology might, overcharge the Building Division of the Planning Department. She did not want the conclusion drawn that it was the beginning of fee increases. She believed there might be a better allocation that reduced fees. Vice Mayor Wheeler asked if the consultant recommended a change in the fees, would the timing coincide with the next annual budget cycle or mid-year. Mr. Yeats said if the fee changes were significant, staff would want to adjust the budget mid-year, if not, staff would coincide the change with the budget cycle next year. Vice Mayor Wheeler declared the Public Hearing open. Having received no requests from the public to speak on the issue, she declared the Public Hearing closed. MOTION: Chairperson Huber for the Finance Committee, recommends approval of the following: 1. Approve revisions to the Municipal Fee Schedule to implement the changes detailed below: A. Adopt the fee levels included as Fee Table 1A in the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC), which is projected to increase Development Center Revenues by 12 percent, or $228,552 in 1999-00.
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B. Implement a change in the minimum permit fee from $25 to $40, which is projected to increase revenues by $22,000 in 1999-00. C. Implement an increase for new residential construction electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits, from a per-unit charge to a flat rate of five cents per square foot for each. This is projected to increase revenues by $44,000 in 1999-00. D. Implement an increase for new commercial construction electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits from a per-unit charge to a flat rate of four cents per square foot for each. In addition, implement an increase for tenant improvement reconstruction electrical and mechanical permits, and for laboratory, medical and restaurant plumbing permits from a per-unit charge to a flat rate of four cents per square foot for each. This is projected to increase revenues by 55,000 in 1999-00. E. Increase the fees for excavating, grading, and fill permits. This is projected to increase revenues by $5,000 in 1999-00. F. Increase the Certificate of Compliance fee from $335 to $600. This is projected to increase revenue by $6,625 in 1999-00. G. Increase encroachment permit fees. This is projected to increase revenue by $8,340 in 1999-00. 2. Approve the Budget Amendment Ordinance to increase revenue by $369,517.
Ordinance 4556 entitled ΑOrdinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto to Amend the 1998-99 Municipal Fee
Schedule for Services Provided at the Development Center≅ MOTION PASSED 8-0, with Fazzino Αnot participating.≅ REPORTS OF COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS 11. Finance Committee re Cost Recovery Options for Development Center MOTION: Chairperson Huber for the Finance Committee, recommends approval of the following: 1) Revisions to the Municipal Fee Schedule to implement the following changes: A) the Fee Table 1A in the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC), projected to increase
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Development Center revenues by 12 percent or $228,552 in 1999-00 (last implemented in January 1996); B) a change in the minimum permit fee from $25 to $40, projected to increase revenues by $22,000 in 1999-00; C) an increase for new residential construction for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits, from a per unit charge to a flat rate of five cents per square foot for each, projected to increase revenues by $44,000 in 1999-00; D) an increase for new commercial construction for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits from a per-unit charge to a flat rate of four cents per square foot for each and an increase for tenant improvement reconstruction for electrical and mechanical permits, and for laboratory, medical and restaurant plumbing permits from a per-unit charge to a flat rate of four cents per square foot for each, projected to increase revenues by $55,000 in 1999-00; E) increase fees for excavating, grading, and fill permits, projected to increase revenues by $5,000 in 1999-00; F) increase the Certificate of Compliance fee from $335 to $600, projected to increase revenues by $6,625 in 1999-00; and G) increase encroachment permit fees, projected to increase revenue by $8,340 in 1999-00. MOTION PASSED 8-0, with Fazzino Αnot participating.≅ ORDINANCES 12. Policy and Services Committee re Approval of Amendments to Chapters 10.04, 10.36, 10.40, 10.44, and 10.60 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code Regulating Stopping, Standing, and Parking of Vehicles Council Member Schneider said on March 9, 1999, the Policy and Services (P&S) Committee met to discuss staff recommendations regarding changes in the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) dealing with construction vehicle permits, oversized vehicles, parking restrictions adjacent to driveway cut-outs, parking restrictions adjacent to intersections, and prohibitions against sleeping and living in vehicles. Regarding prohibitions against sleeping and living in vehicles, a report from the Police Department requested Council defer the item until the Police Department could further research what other communities were doing. The issue relating to prohibitions against sleeping and living in vehicles would not be
part of the evening=s discussion. Council Member Mossar said there were residential neighborhoods that were adjacent to commercial districts. She asked whether it was possible to require commercial vehicle permits in residential areas, particularly in areas that were adjacent to commercial district. Assistant Police Chief Lynne Johnson said requiring commercial vehicle permits in residential areas was possible, but it was difficult to regulate because many commercial vehicles, such as
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small pick-up trucks or vans, had commercial plates. Requiring that type of permit would be problematic by universally prohibiting commercial vehicles. Council Member Mossar said commercial vehicle traffic was an issue in the residential areas. There were businesses with commercial vehicles that chose not to park in commercial areas because of parking problems and parked in residential areas. The community had no mechanism to prohibit commercial vehicles in residential areas. Litsie Indergand, Member, Human Relations Commissions (HRC), said the HRC requested that the Council take advantage of its services as an advisory body to Council when the Council addressed the matter of sleeping or living in vehicles. Shirley Ledgerwood, 2050 Waverley Street, understood the Council discussed the possibility of an ordinance against sleeping in cars. She discussed matters regarding measures against the homeless in Palo Alto. MOTION: Council Member Schneider for the Policy and Services Committee, recommends approval of amendments to Chapters 10.04, 10.36, 10.40, 10.44, and 10.60 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code regulating stopping, standing and parking of vehicles, specifically, the recommended revisions addressing overnight parking regulations and the definition of oversized vehicles only
specifically equipped for the disabled would be exempt. The City=s ordinance should be brought into compliance with the California Vehicle Code and practices the City has established, and clarify enforcement issues related to the parking and towing of vehicles. Further, that Section 10.40.045(d) be changed to say, "No permit shall be issued for any initial period greater than sixty thirty working days...additional periods not to exceed sixty thirty days."
Ordinance 1st Reading entitled ΑOrdinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Repealing and Reenacting Chapter 10.04 [Definitions], Chapter 10.36 [Stopping, Standing and Parking - Generally], Chapter 10.40 [Stopping, Standing and Parking - Loading and Unloading], 10.44 [Stopping, Standing and Parking - Prohibited and Restricted] of Title 10 [Vehicles and Traffic] of the Palo Alto Municipal Code Regulating Vehicle
Parking≅ MOTION PASSED 9-0. 13. Policy and Services Committee Adopting a New Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map and Making Minor
Revisions to the City=s Flood Hazard Regulations
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Council Member Schneider announced she would not participate due to a conflict of interest. City Attorney Calonne announced he would not participate due to a conflict of interest. MOTION: Council Member Ojakian for the Policy and Services Committee, recommends adoption of a New Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map and Making Minor
Revisions to the City=s Flood Hazard Regulations (Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.52) as Required by State and Federal Standards, Retaining the First Paragraph on Page 2 of Section
16.52.040 under "Definitions≅.
Ordinance 1st Reading entitled ΑOrdinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto to Add Section 16.52.165 and to Amend Sections 16.52.020, 16.52.040, 16.52.060, 16.52.100, 16.52.110, 16.52.120, 16.52.130, 16.52.150, 16.52.170, 16.152.180, 16.52.190 and 16.52.200 of Chapter 16.52 of Title 16 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Conform to Current
Minimum Standards of the National Flood Insurance Program≅ MOTION PASSED 8-0, with Schneider Αnot participating.≅ COUNCIL MATTERS 15. Mayor Fazzino re Cancellation of the April 26, 1999, Regular City Council Meeting MOTION: Council Member Kniss moved, seconded by Ojakian, to cancel the April 26, 1999, Council Meeting. MOTION PASSED 9-0. 16. Council Comments, Questions, and Announcements Vice Mayor Wheeler reminded the Council of the Special City Council Meeting of April 21, 1999, at 6 p.m. for purposes of evaluating two Council Appointed Officers. Council Member Kniss asked that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Marietta Ferreira, long time Palo Alto resident, who passed away on March 12, 1999. Council Member Mossar reminded the Council of the opening of the Bike Station at the Palo Alto Train Station on Friday, April 23, 1999. Mayor Fazzino the next Conversation with the Mayor would be held on June 12 and include the Mayors from East Palo Alto and Menlo Park.
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ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. in memory of Marietta Ferreira, long time Palo Alto resident, who passed away on March 12, 1999. ATTEST: APPROVED:
City Clerk Mayor NOTE: Sense minutes (synopsis) are prepared in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code Sections 2.04.180(a) and (b). The City Council and Standing Committee meeting tapes are made solely for the purpose of facilitating the preparation of the minutes of the meetings. City Council and Standing Committee meeting tapes are recycled 90 days from the date of the meeting. The tapes are available for members of the public to listen to during regular office hours.
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