HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Digest 2015-04-24TOWN COUNCIL WEEKLY DIGEST
Week of April 20-24, 2015
TIBURON
Correspondence, Notices and other Information
1. Letter — Department of Transporation to:
Frank Doyle — re: Traffic Congestion
2. Report — ABAG to MCCMC
3. Vacancy Notice — Heritage & Arts Commission
4. Vacancy Notice — Belvedere/Tiburon Library Agency — Board Trustees
Agendas and Minutes
1. Agenda — April 28 — Heritage & Arts
2. Agenda — April 28 — Parks and Open Space
3. Minutes — March 25 — Tiburon Town Council
REGIONAL, NOTICES AND AGENDAS
Correspondence, Notices and other Information
1. ALERT — Newsletter*
Agendas and Minutes
1. Agenda — Tiburon Fire District — April 8
2. Agenda — Special Meeting — Belvedere City Council — April 27
* Council Only
STATE OF CALIFORNIA—CALIFORNIA STATE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
111 GRAND AVENUE
P.O. BOX 23660
OAKLAND, CA 94623-0660
PHONE (510) 286-5900
FAX (510) 286-5903
TTY 711
www.dot.ca.gov
April 16, 2015
The Honorable Bob McCaskill
Mayor, City of Belvedere
450 San Rafael Avenue
Belvedere, CA 94920-2336
Dear Mayors McCaskill and Doyle:
/%o —
D I G ESTDMUND G. BROWN Jr.. Governor
RECEIVED
APR 2 3 2015
TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN OF TIBURON
The Honorable Frank Doyle
Mayor, Town of Tiburon
1505 Tiburon Boulevard
Tiburon, CA 94920-2530
Serious drought.
Help save water!
This is in response to your recent letter regarding traffic congestion in the vicinity of the U.S.
101 and Tiburon Boulevard (State Route 131)/East Blithedale Avenue interchange. Specifically,
you requested a traffic study at the intersection of Tiburon Boulevard and the Redwood Highway
Frontage Road, considering the needs of all modes, as well as an evaluation of an additional
westbound lane on Tiburon Boulevard for access to the northbound 101 on-ramp and to improve
traffic flow, as part of a currently underway metering project on northbound U.S. 101.
With the improving economy, traffic congestion in the Bay Area has been on the rise over the
last few years, including on U.S. 101 corridor in Marin County. Accordingly, we have been
actively working with the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission (MTC), and other partner agencies on several fronts. We have also
been engaged and expect to continue participating in community workshops that help identify
pedestrian and bicyclist needs and improvements, both on State highways and at the local level.
Last summer, we completed timing adjustments (funded by MTC) for all signals along
Blithedale Avenue from downtown Mill Valley to U.S. 101. The signal modifications resulted in
moderate improvement for midday and evening operations as well as significant improvement of
travel time for the a.m. peak in the westbound direction. Currently, as you are aware, congestion
on northbound U.S. 101 from Sir Francis Drake and Tamalpais Drive interchanges reaches just
north of the U.S. 101/Tiburon Boulevard interchange. We are partnering with TAM to improve
traffic conditions on eastbound Interstate 580 from Sir Francis Drake Boulevard through the
Richmond -San Rafael Bridge to reduce congestion and traffic queues that cause slowdowns both
on eastbound 1-580 and on northbound U.S. 101. Similarly, we are working with MTC relative
to providing a pedestrian/bicycle path on the Richmond -San Rafael Bridge's upper -deck and a
third commuter lane on the lower -deck.
Also, as you noted in your letter, we are partnering with MTC and TAM on a Freeway
Performance Initiative (FPI) project to implement ramp metering on northbound U.S. 101 from
the Golden Gate Bridge to Interstate 580 interchange. Although this project does not include any
widening on Tiburon Boulevard, some relief in congestion would be expected on Tiburon
Boulevard since the northbound on-ramp would be widened to two lanes. This project is
"Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system
to enhance California's economy and livability"
The Honorable Mayors McCaskill and Doyle
April 16, 2015
Page 2
currently suspended pending resolution of certain accounting/budgetary concerns. However,
design work is expected to resume in the coming months to be ready for advertisement and then
to commence construction in Fall 2016. It should be noted that incorporating the requested
widening on Tiburon Boulevard in the vicinity of U.S. 101 as part of the currently underway
metering project on northbound U.S. 101 would not be feasible since this project has already
completed its environmental review and right-of-way clearance phases.
In close proximity, slightly east of U.S. 101 interchange, the intersection of Tiburon Boulevard
and Knoll Road, was recently identified in our safety monitoring program as a location with high
accident concentration, resulting in a safety investigation. We have also received complaints
from pedestrians expressing safety concerns when crossing the roadway. A review of the
accident history revealed that the number of accidents that can be corrected by a traffic signal
were seven in a 12 months period and 13 out of 25 accidents in a three-year period. Upon further
investigation, it was determined that both accidents and traffic volumes warrants included in the
California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CAMUTCD) were met; thus, a traffic
signal is warranted for this intersection. Subsequently, a signal operation study was performed to
evaluate the operation of the new signal in conjunction with adjacent signals. The analysis
indicated that the new signal can be coordinated with the existing signals to operate
efficiently. As part of our investigation, we also made a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility
of a roundabout at this location. However, the roundabout alternative was dismissed due to the
associated excessive right-of-way requirements and expected significant community impacts.
The proposed signal will be scoped to address the existing accident pattern, facilitate pedestrian
crossings, and bring the intersection into compliance with the American Disability Act with new
curb ramps and accessible pedestrian signal. This project is being programmed to tentatively
commence construction in 2017/18 fiscal year. The project is currently estimated to cost
approximately $800,000, and requires financial participation by the local jurisdiction, County of
Marin, for their pro -rata share of approximately $252,000. We understand that there are
community and local agency concerns on the potential impacts of a new signal, and expect to
continue working with stakeholders to address all safety, operational, and community concerns,
as we proceed with this project. Once constructed, we will be closely monitoring the operation of
the new signal, making appropriate signal tuning adjustments to be well coordinated with other
signals based on prevailing traffic conditions in the corridor.
Caltrans' current fiscal constraints preclude initiating or funding capacity increasing projects
such as widening on westbound Tiburon Boulevard as either part of the above noted -projects, or
as a separate undertaking. Such proposed capacity increasing projects are ordinarily studied and
funded through local participation. We understand that a traffic study is currently being
performed by TAM to assess traffic congestion and potential improvements at this
interchange. We will work in partnership with TAM and provide assistance in evaluating
proposed solutions.
"Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system
to enhance California's economy and livability"
The Honorable Mayors McCaskill and Doyle
April 16, 2015
Page 3
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding traffic congestion and your assistance working
with TAM and us towards unproved safety and mobility on Bay Area State highways. If you
would like to discuss your concerns further, please do not hesitate to contact me at (510) 286-
5900, or Mr. Sean Nozzari, Deputy District Director, Traffic Operations, at (510) 286-6345.
Sincerely,
BIJA SA IPI
•Distri t D'rector
c: Honorable Kathrin Sears, Marin County Board of Supervisors
Ms. Dianne Steinhauser, TAM, Executive Director
Mr. Raul Rojas, Director, County of Marin, Public Works Department
Mr. Jim McCann, City Manager, City of Mill Valley
Mr. Steve Heminger, MTC, Executive Director
"Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system
to enhance California's economy and livability"
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Report on ABAG to MCCMC
April 22, 2015
MARIN PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON PLAN BAY AREA: As previously reported, the Marin ABAG delegates agreed
to host a public workshop on Plan Bay Area 2017 on May 16, 2015. It begins at 9:00 am to 12:30 at the Novato
City Hall 901 Sherman Avenue. Attached is the agenda. All elected officials are encouraged to join this
important discussion.
REMINDER—APPLICATIONS FOR PRIORITY CONSERVATION AREAS (PCA) ARE DUE MAY 30, 2015: In
February 2015, ABAG noticed jurisdictions and open space/park districts of the opportunity to remove an
existing PCA, confirm an existing PCA or nominate a new PCA by May 30, 2015. The letter provided the
process for confirming and/or submitting a new PCA application. The letter also provided an update on the
four designations of PCAs which are:
1) Natural Landscapes — areas critical to the functioning of wildlife and plant habitats, aquatic ecosystems
and the region's water supply and quality.
2) Agricultural Lands —farmland, grazing land and timberland that support the region's agricultural
economy and provide additional benefits such as habitat protection and carbon capture.
3) Urban Greening—existing and potential green spaces in cities that increase habitat connectivity,
improve community health, capture carbon emissions and address stormwater.
4) Regional Recreation — existing and potential regional parks, trails and other publicly accessible
recreation facilities.
A copy of the application materials, a sample resolution and additional information about the designations is
available online at: http://abag.ca.gov/vision/conservation/.
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
ABAG Spring General Assembly and Business Meeting -- Thursday, April 23, 2015 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oakland
Asian Cultural Center 388 9th Street, Suite 290. To register: http://abag.ca.gov/events/ga/2015/. This General
Assembly focuses on Green Streets and Infrastructure Strategies: Sharing Best Practices Around Creating
Complete Communities, Drought Protection, and Water Management.
The keynote speaker, David Sedlak, Professor at UC Berkeley, will speak about a more resilient, sustainable
water system to avoid the economic, social and environmental damage of climate change, population growth
and water quality concerns in the SF Bay Area. The title of his presentation is: '2050: The Year We Completed
Our Urban Water Transformation'. There will be a panel discussion on what water protective/conserving
initiatives local governments and water districts are doing to prepare for 2050. In addition, there will be for
the first time at the General Assembly caucuses of jurisdictions (small cities and towns; older suburbs and
larger cities) to discuss the common challenges, opportunities and relevant best practices. The Business
meeting will start at 6:00 pm which includes a vote on ABAG's 2015-2016 Budget and workplan.
PLAN BAY AREA UPDATE 2017 PUBLIC WORKSHOP — May 16, 2015 9:00am to 12:30pm at Novato City Hall 901
Sherman Avenue.
Please direct questions to Pat Eklund, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Novato (phone: 415-883-9116; email:
peklund@novato.org or pateklund@comcast.net)
PUBLIC WORKSHOP
PLAN BAY AREA UPDATE 2017
MAY 16, 2015 -- 9:00 to 12:30
Novato City Hall -- 901 Sherman Avenue
Purpose:
• Share lessons learned from Plan Bay Area 2013
• Inform and obtain feedback on the key milestones, methodology for forecasting future growth and
goals and performance targets for Plan Bay Area Update 2017
• Discuss next steps
9:00 — 9:30: REGISTRATION and INFORMATION TABLES
9:30 — 9:45: WELCOME and INTRODUCTION TO PLAN BAY AREA 2017
✓ Welcome and Lessons Learned from Plan Bay Area 2013 — Pat Eklund, Mayor Pro Tem City of
Novato (5 minutes)
✓ Key Milestones for Plan Bay Area Update 2017 — Brad Paul, ABAG Deputy Executive Director (10
minutes)
9:45 — 10:15: Public Comment/Questions
10:15 —10:35: FORECASTING FUTURE GROWTH — Elizabeth Brekhus, Mayor, Town of Ross introduction of
Cynthia Kroll, ABAG Chief Economist
10:35 —11:10: Public Comment/Questions
11:10 — 11:20: Break
11:20 - 11:40: GOALS, PERFORMANCE TARGETS AND VITAL SIGNS — Doug Kelly, Vice Mayor, City of San
Anselmo introduction of ABAG or MTC staff person.
11:40 - 12:00: Public Comment/Questions
12:00 - 12:15: WRAP-UP AND CONTINUED PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
✓ Next Steps — Pat Eklund, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Novato
• Report on what we heard today — comments, suggestions and Q&A
• Send additional comments or questions, to: http://planbavarea.org/get-involved/loin-us.html
• ABAG/MTC has committed to a public forum each year as Plan Bay Area Update 2017
progresses.
12:15 —12:30: Time for Conversation with Public, Panelists and Elected Officials
TOWN OF TIBURON
SPECIAL VACANCY NOTICE
On Town Commissions, Boards & Committees
April 2015
HERITAGE & ARTS COMMISSION -
(Statutory Authority: Section 13B-2 of Tiburon Municipal Code)
Purpose:
DIGEST
The Heritage & Arts Commission works to preserve and protect those
buildings, sites, works of art and other objects which have special
historical, cultural or aesthetic character or interest to the Tiburon
Peninsula. Appointees serve staggered, four-year terms.
The Commission establishes educational programs and awards focusing on
the unique history of the area. The Commission works on special
community projects and events and is interested in planning events that
would provide a forum for local artists to showcase their work.
Qualifications: Town Council Resolution No. 31-2014 states that the commission shall be
comprised of nine (9) members whose qualifications shall be as follows:
Five (5) members must be residents of the Town of Tiburon;
Four (4) members may be residents of any part of the greater Tiburon
Peninsula (comprised of the Town of Tiburon, City of Belvedere, and any
unincorporated area including Paradise Drive and the Strawberry/Eagle
Rock/Bay Vista area).
Applicants shall have the interest, desire, and time available to help
promote projects related to the history and art of the Tiburon Peninsula. A
formal art/history background is preferred but not required.
There are two existing vacancies:
Appointee Date Appointed Date Resigned Term Expires
1) Phillip Ramirez April 2013 April 2015 February 2015
2) Patti Pickett July 2014 April 2015 February 2016
Interested residents can pick up an application at Tiburon Town Hall, 1505 Tiburon Boulevard,
or download an application at www.townoftiburon.org (link is under "Resident" / "Useful
Forms"). Call Town Clerk Diane Crane Iacopi at 415-435-7377 for more information.
Deadline for Receipt of Applications: May 13, 2015 ( for interviews on May 20, 2015)
Notice Posted at Town Hall
Published in The Ark on April 29 & May 6, 2015
Courtesy copy to Marin Independent Journal
TOWN OF TIBURON
NOTICE OF PENDING VACANCY
ON TOWN BOARD OR COMMISSION
April 2015
BELVEDERE/TIBURON LIBRARY AGENCY - BOARD OF TRUSTEES
(Statutory Authority: Govt. Code Section 6500 et seq. and Joint Powers Agreement for
Belvedere/Tiburon Library Agency)
Position:
Term:
TRUSTEE — TOWN OF TIBURON
3 Years — (effective July 1)
Qualifications: Applicants must be residents of the Town of Tiburon and have the interest,
dedication and time commitment to serve as a trustee on the Board,
including attendance at regular monthly meetings and other activities.
The pending vacancy on the Library Board is as follows:
Appointee Date Appointed Resi,'nation Term Expiration
1) Tom Gram November 2012 N/A* June 30, 2015
*(Incumbent is eligible for and seeks a second term under the Library Agency By-laws)
Interested residents can contact Tiburon Town Clerk Diane Crane at 415-435-7377 for more
information, or pick up an application at Tiburon Town Hall, 1505 Tiburon Boulevard.
Applications are also available on-line at www.townoftiburon.org (click on "Resident"/ link is
under "Useful Forms").
Deadline for Applications: May 6, 2015
Notice posted at Town Hall & Library
Published in the Ark on April 29, 2015
Courtesy Copy to Marin IJ
TIBURON
HERITAGE
& A R T S
COMMISSION
4ceq) A- -�-
Town of Tiburon Heritage & Arts Commission
1505 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon, CA 94920
415-435-7373
AGENDA
HERITAGE & ARTS COMMISSION
April 28 , 2015
Town Hall Conference Room
7:00 p.m.
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Oral Communications
Persons wishing to address the Heritage & Arts Commission on subjects not on the agenda may do so at
this time. Please note however, that the Heritage & Arts Commission is not able to undertake extended
discussion or action on items not on the agenda. Matters requiring action will be referred to the
appropriate Commission, Board, committee or staff for consideration or placed on a future Heritage &
Arts agenda. Please limit your comments to three (3) minutes.
IV. Minutes — March 30, 2015
V. Treasurer's Report
VI. Artist Recruitment - New Artists for Exhibition
(At each meeting, any Commissioner may present art work for consideration for future exhibits. Once approved by the
group, the individual's samples will be turned over to one of the Artist Recruiters for scheduling and processing.)
Duty Roster — Del Mar Art Students — Take Down May 27 — Need sign-ups
(One day in advance of H&A meeting on May 26)
VII. New Business
a. Jaleh to show presentation for Joan's party — Apr. 30
b. H & A Fall Award — Award date & Banner
VIII. Old Business
a. Educator Award
Review Perpetual Award and Keeper Award
- Agenda for May 6
- Plan menu for reception and delegate pick-up
- Roster for Set-up and Break -down of reception
Ark article publish: Week of Apr. 27
Banner up 4/27-5/4 (not available week of 5/4)
b. Wall -mounted Lighting report — Mujica-Bevers
c. Website Update - deQuattro
Next Regular Meeting — April 28.2015
TOWN OF TIBURON
Tiburon Town Hall
1505 Tiburon Boulevard
Town Hall Council Chambers
Tiburon, CA 94920
Special Meeting
Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission
April 28, 2015 – 6:00 PM
AGENDA
PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS COMMISSION
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Winkler, Vice -Chair Allen, Commissioners Feldman, McMullen, Thier
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Persons wishing to address the Parks, Open Space & Trails Commission on any subject not on the
agenda may do so under this portion of the agenda. Please note that the Parks, Open Space & Trails
Commission is not able to undertake extended discussion, or take action on, items that do not appear on
this agenda. Matters requiring action or follow-up may be referred to Town Staff or placed on a future
Parks, Open Space & Trails Commission agenda. Please limit your comments to no more than three (3)
minutes. Testimony regarding matters not on the agenda will not be considered part of the
administrative record.
MINUTES
• Approval of Minutes – November 18, 2014
COMMISSION AND STAFF BRIEFING
• Subcommittee Oral Reports & Updates
• McKegney Green Field Use Permit Applications—Oral Update
BUSINESS ITEMS
1. Review of Resident Request to Install Entry Gates/Fences at Bel Aire Play Area
2. Review of Proposed Transportation and Park/Open Space -Related Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) Projects for Fiscal Year 2015-2016
ADJOURNMENT
Parks Open Space and Trails Commission Agenda Page 1
TOWN OF TIBURON LATE MAIL POLICY
(Adopted and Effective 11/7/2007)
The following policy shall be used by the Town Council and its standing boards and commissions, and by staff of the
Town of Tiburon, in the identification, distribution and consideration of late mail.
DEFINITION
"Late Mail" is defined as correspondence or other materials that are received by the Town after completion of the written
staff report on an agenda item, in such a manner as to preclude such correspondence or other materials from being
addressed in or attached to the staff report as an exhibit.
IDENTIFICATION OF LATE MAIL
All late mail received by Town Staff in advance of a meeting shall be marked "Late Mail" and shall be date-stamped or
marked with the date of receipt by the Town. Late mail received at a meeting shall be marked as "Received at Meeting"
with a date -stamp or handwritten note.
POLICY
For regular meetings of the Town Council and its standing boards and commissions:
(1) All late mail that is received on an agenda item prior to distribution of the agenda packet to the reviewing
authority shall be stamped or marked as "Late Mail" and shall be distributed to the reviewing authority with the
agenda packet.
(2) All late mail received on an agenda item before 5:00 PM on the Monday prior to the meeting shall be date-
stamped and marked as "Late Mail" and distributed to the reviewing authority as soon as practicable. Such mail
shall be read and considered by the reviewing authority whenever possible. If the Monday, or Monday and
Tuesday, prior to the meeting are a Town -recognized holiday, the deadline shall be extended to the following day
at Noon.
(3) Any late mail received on an agenda item after the deadline established in paragraph (2) above shall be date-
stamped, marked as "Late Mail" and distributed to the reviewing authority as soon as reasonably possible, but
may not be read or considered by the reviewing authority. There should be no expectation of, nor shall the
reviewing authority have any obligation to, read or consider any such late mail, and therefore such late mail may
not become part of the administrative record for the item before the reviewing authority.
These provisions shall also apply to special and adjourned meetings when sufficient lead time exists to implement these
provisions. if sufficient lead time does not exist, the Town Manager shall exercise discretion in establishing a reasonable
cut-off time for late mail. For controversial items or at any meeting where a high volume of correspondence is
anticipated, Town staff shall have the option to require an earlier late mail deadline, provided that the written public notice
for any such item clearly communicates the specifics of the early late mail deadline, and the deadline corresponds
appropriately to any earlier availability of the agenda packet.
Pursuant to state law, copies of all late mail shall be available in a timely fashion for public inspection at
Tiburon Town Hall, 1505 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon.
Parks Open Space and Trails Commission Agenda Page 3
123D:0 mod'
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MINUTES NO. 1053
Regular Meeting
March 25, 2015
Town of Tiburon Council Chambers
1505 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon, California
uF" a
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL:
Chair Welner called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Chair Welner, Vice Chair Kulik, Commissioners Corcoran and Weller
Absent: Commissioner Williams
Staff Present: Director of Community Development Anderson, Planning Manager Watrous, and
Minutes Clerk Harper
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
COMMISSION AND STAFF BRIEFING: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. 1694-1696 Tiburon Boulevard: Consider Approval of a Conditional Use Permit and
Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for Construction of a New 8,304 Square
Foot, Three -Story Mixed Use Commercial and Residential Building Intended for
Condominium -type Ownership; File #11402; ACV Argo Tiburon LP, Owner; Zwick
Architects, Applicant; Assessor's Parcel No. 059-101-12
Planning Manager Watrous gave the staff report, stating that the applicant has submitted an
application to construct a new three-story, 38 foot tall commercial and residential building at the
property located at 1694-1696 Tiburon Boulevard which is currently occupied by a one-story
commercial building occupied by two restaurants (New Morning Cafe and the Grass Shack) and
some office space. The existing commercial building would be demolished and a new three-story
building would be constructed with a restaurant and possibly a small retail space on the ground
floor, and two floors above containing two residential condominiums on the second floor and
one residential condominium unit on the third floor.
Mr. Watrous summarized the project details and planning issues described in the staff report,
including compatibility with other buildings in Downtown Tiburon and possible impacts on the
adjacent two-story commercial and office building at 1690 Tiburon Boulevard. The Commission
was encouraged to try to evaluate the potential effects of the proposed building based on the
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 25, 2015 - MINUTES NO. 1053 PAGE 1
story poles for the project. Mr. Watrous described the transfer of intensity necessary to comply
with floor area ratio (FAR) requirements and parking to be provided for the project.
Mr. Watrous noted that an Initial Study/Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared for
this project that focused on several issues including air quality, land use planning and
transportation and traffic. A Historic Resource Evaluation was prepared for the project that found
that the building was constructed in the early to mid -1940's and does not demonstrate any
evidence of historical or architectural significance for the building.
Mr. Watrous recommended that the Planning Commission hold a public hearing on this item and
hear and consider all testimony, deliberate on the application. In the event that the Commission
desires to approve the project, adopt the draft resolution. If the Commission desires to direct
substantial modifications to the project, the item should be continued to a date specific with
direction provided to the applicant.
Commissioner Corcoran referred to the Planning Commission's role in the review of project
plans, noting that ordinarily the Commission is not involved in design review. Mr. Watrous
stated that, if approved, the project would require review by the Design Review Board (DRB) as
the current plans are conceptual in nature and may be fleshed out in detail through the CUP
review process. He stated that the particular issues that the DRB often deals with will sometimes
overlap with what the Commission looks at in terms of appropriateness of a structure and the
overall general location, mass, bulk and size.
Vice Chair Kulik said that the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration includes discussion about
the evaluation of environmental impacts, including aesthetics. He asked about reviewing this
topic from a CEQA standpoint versus the relationships of neighboring buildings in general. Mr.
Watrous stated that there is a higher bar for determining whether something is a significant
environmental impact as far as aesthetics from a CEQA standpoint, which usually must be a very
severe impact that would compromise a particular property. He said that the Commission has the
ability through the CUP process to find that a project does not have a significant impact on the
environment from an aesthetic standpoint, but that it may not be desirable from the CUP and
zoning standpoint.
Chair Welner asked what would happen if the Commission viewed one of the items that were
found less than significant to be potentially significant. Mr. Watrous said that if the Commission
finds something potentially significant, the Commission would have to find a way to mitigate it
to a less significant level through a condition of approval or mitigation measure, and then the
Commission could adopt the MND. If the Commission finds that the project has impacts that
cannot be mitigated to a less than significant level, an EIR would be required.
Matt Howarth said he is part of the ownership group for this property as well as the Beach Road
parking lot and several other properties in Town. He said that they purchased this property two
years ago along with other properties in Town. He said that this building is in serious need of
repair so they began looking a year ago and working with the Town on what would be best on
the parcel based on the fact that they do have parking available across the street or down the
street and fitting in with the General Plan. He believed that the project before the Commission is
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 25, 2015 - MINUTES NO. 1053 PAGE 2
compatible. He said that the project would comply with the 38 foot height limit and would bring
housing downtown. He characterized the site as probably one of the smallest and most
challenging properties downtown.
Marty Zwick, Zwick Architects, thanked Mr. Watrous for the comprehensive staff report and
introduction. He described the project, noting that they are proposing to keep the restaurant use
on the ground floor. He said that they are trying to add life to downtown by adding housing on
the second and third stories. He stated that they are proposing the same number of seats as the
existing restaurants, but included an approach that would allow for the possibility of including
some retail space to give the ownership flexibility on its tenants. He stated that the existing
building next door comes up to the property line, which was not obvious to them until they
obtained a survey. He stated that they moved their building back about 7 feet from the Tiburon
Boulevard property line in order to line up with the existing structure and they stepped the
building further back on the third floor. He said that they tried to reduce the building's massing
by including proper fenestration by balconies and other elements so it would not read as one
mass. He displayed enhanced project illustrations.
Mr. Zwick stated that there was a question regarding whether the story poles were accurate. He
said that the illustrations overlaid the story poles with a computer model and they aligned up
quite well. He shared photos of other two and three-story buildings in the areas.
In response to a question from the Commission, Mr. Zwick indicated that the project would
come close to the property line shared with 1690 Tiburon Boulevard. He stated that either a two
or three story building would block their view. He stated that they determined that the property
line at the front is way out on the sidewalk, so they stepped the building back so it would line up
with other buildings and the rest of the street frontage.
Commissioner Corcoran asked how large this setback area was. Mr. Zwick said that he would
have to calculate that, but said that the building would be set back 7 feet for the full width of the
site.
Chair Weiner opened the public hearing.
Jon Fisher spoke on behalf of himself and his family and stated that the parking and resources to
construct the project were woefully overlooked in the project as a function of emergency
response and existing traffic conditions on Tiburon Boulevard. He said that his family owns
several businesses that would actually afford the only possible parking for large equipment and
their employees have suffered from flat tires and other issues from minor construction in the past
along Main Street. He stated that this is a major project and things like emergency response
resonate, so he encouraged further study to make sure that the resources required to actually
construct the project in a very congested environment are taken into account.
Chris Skelton, attorney representing Jim and Pam Mantegani, owners of the adjacent property at
1680 Tiburon Boulevard, said that this project would set the tone for development, the look and
feel of Tiburon's downtown for decades to come and he felt that this application was not ready.
He referenced letters he submitted on the CEQA process and on merits of the project and stated
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 25, 2015 - MINUTES NO. 1053 PAGE 3
that there were gaps in the information the Commission needed in order to make an informed
decision. He noted that the Zoning Ordinance requires that a licensed surveyor certify that the
story poles are correct.
Mr. Watrous interjected that staff received a story pole certification letter that day, but it is not a
code requirement for conditional use permits.
Mr. Skelton discussed the review processes required for this project, stating that it is coming to
the Planning Commission for a Conditional Use Permit for the transfer of intensity of
development and environmental certification and would afterwards go to the DRB, which will be
required to reverse engineer this building to accommodate the square footage that is conceptually
allowed. He noted that the maximum FAR for this property is 37% and they are proposing 225%,
which he believed to be excessive for what the applicant admitted is the most challenging site in
Town. He felt that this did not make sense from a planning perspective. He said that parking is
another issue. He said that the Grass Shack restaurant has not been in use for over a year and,
according to the Zoning Ordinance, if a conditional use have been vacant or stops use for over a
year, it may be revoked. He felt that it was inappropriate to grandfather in parking spaces for a
use which has not been there for over a year. He said that there were questions about the transfer
of development intensity, stating that this application sought to take development potential from
the Beach Road parking lot which had not been explained. He said that there was no discussion
of whether or not that parking lot is encumbered already, but it will be encumbered by the
proposed use. He concluded by stating that there are gaps in the information and he did not think
that the Commission had all the facts needed to make an informed decision on the CUP and
cannot make the necessary findings. He believed that a 3 -story building is just not appropriate
here.
Mo Newman said that she is a tenant at the Mantegani property at 1680 Tiburon Boulevard and
often there is no parking nearby for the tenants, employees and their clients. She said that traffic
in the town is also a problem, and people know there are times of day one cannot get in or out,
and she asked why they are building before addressing the parking issue. She did not think that
people who will buy the condominiums nor employees or customers of the restaurant will park
down the street. She reiterated that parking is a problem that the Town needs to address before
allowing any further development. She thought that the design of the proposal was beautiful and
she was not opposed to it, but wanted to not allow growth before having room for that growth.
She was also concerned that employees of existing businesses and customers will be driven out
of town. She said that this was not the right timing for this project and she suggested shuttle
service from outlying lots, a parking structure, or widening of Tiburon Boulevard.
Bill Lukens said that he and his wife have properties at several locations in Old Tiburon and
have a vested interest in Tiburon. He said that they do not see this building right now, but they
will have a good look at it once construction is completed. He said that this did not seem like an
optimal design for such a fragile and central location. He understood that there are 3 -story
buildings along Main Street where there are already taller building heights. He said that this
would triple the building height and, when finished, it would be the most poignant of all
buildings in Tiburon from the water. He said that there was no evaluation of the visual impacts of
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 25, 2015 - MINUTES NO. 1053 PAGE 4
what this would do to the character of the Town from an environmental standpoint, so he asked
that this be examined further.
Diane Lynch said that she did not understand how the applicants can block an entire row of
windows. She said that this building would change the character of downtown and while the
character will change over the years as the State wants to see large buildings and affordable
housing, she assumed that one unit would be affordable.
Mr. Watrous noted that all units are proposed at market rate.
Ms. Lynch said that one unit should be affordable if the Town is going to allow this
development. She noted that area proposed for garbage cans and the assumed that a corral or
enclosure might be proposed and she hoped that the Town will come up with a standard for an
enclosed place for garbage cans for every new building and not allow them to be on the street.
Marty Zwick said that in response to Commissioner Corcoran's question they believe there is
500 square feet of footprint that would be given up across the front of the site. He said that the
Grass Shack closes every winter and will re -open next summer and that is how their lease runs.
He said that garbage cans or a debris box would be behind a fence.
Commissioner Corcoran asked if Mr. Zwick looked at the possibility of adding a step back on
the second story or a possibility for a light well. Mr. Zwick said they do have recessed balconies
along Tiburon Boulevard, but they did not look at the side facing 1690 Tiburon Boulevard, but
this could be studied.
Vice Chair Kulik asked Mr. Zwick to address what the proposed project impacts would be to
1690 Tiburon Boulevard, given the 2nd and, more importantly, 3` floors, as well as the
economics of the third floor element. Mr. Zwick said that a one-story building with a restaurant
exists now and encourages a lively streetscape and pedestrian traffic. He said that at night
Tiburon dies downtown and having housing downtown is part of the Town's General Plan and
everybody benefits. He said that the building next door was built knowing they had a view over a
one-story building but they did not own or control the future of the one-story building, so he
thought that it would be difficult to say that since they were there first his clients cannot build
even a second story because it would block views.
Chair Weiner closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Corcoran asked about the idea of a borrowed view in the Town's Hillside Design
Guidelines. Mr. Watrous clarified that generally these guidelines are used more often for
residential purposes. He said that the borrowed view is the most recent guideline and was
generally intended for developing a vacant property and establishes the concept that someone
objecting to a project where anything built will affect views has borrowed the view over a period
of time. He said that although this guideline does not specifically address this situation the
concept could be used in terms of whether there is a reasonable expectation that there would
always be just a one-story building on this property or that something else would be developed at
a later date.
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES — MARCH 25. 2015 - MINUTES NO. 1053 PAGE 5
Chair Welner said that his general understanding was that the purpose of the Planning
Commission's review was to identify whether these uses are appropriate for this location or
whether adding residential on two floors makes sense. He asked if the DRB would be obligated
to allow whatever the Commission approves in terms of height or square footage or would the
DRB be able to reduce the floor area and/or height. Community Development Director Scott
Anderson said that the draft resolution would sets up a situation where the Commission would
approve a building up to a certain floor area and height but would not lock the DRB into those
numbers. Chair Welner asked if the DRB would be capable of reducing those amounts if the
design did not fit within the character of the Town. Mr. Anderson said that that was correct.
Mr. Watrous added that if the Commission had serious reservations about a broader aspect of the
project, such as allowing 2 stories versus 3 stories, this should be either made clear in conditions
of approval of the CUP or the resolution could include direction to the DRB to focus on a
particular area of concern.
Commissioner Weller said that he did not see this as terribly complicated, as he thought that this
project was too big for the site. He said that he walks by the site every day and has looked at the
story poles for a couple of weeks. He commended the attempt to modernize the building which
clearly needs to be demolished and rebuilt, and he also understood the borrowed view aspect, as
he was not particularly in favor of people permanently protecting views when adjacent buildings
can legally be built that might impinge on those views. However, he said that the Town approved
a building at 1690 Tiburon Boulevard which has windows along an entire face and the view, but
more importantly, the light should be protected. Therefore he could not support this project in its
current form. He did not think that it satisfies any planning criteria. He agreed with the comment
that heights on Main Street are irrelevant to heights on Tiburon Boulevard. He said that the
application needs to be redrawn and he asked that the building come down to two stories and be
set back enough so that light can get into the windows at 1690 Tiburon Boulevard. He stressed
that this was not a view issue in his mind, but a light issue.
Commissioner Corcoran said that there could be modifications and the key issue is the shared
property line of the building along 1690 Tiburon Boulevard. He commented that whenever there
is an urban area with properties developed over time, there is state-of-the-art one year that 30
years later is no longer state-of-the-art. He said that the building at 1690 Tiburon Boulevard was
built as a two-story building and the New Morning Cafe building was probably affected by that
building. He said that the subject property and the building at 1690 Tiburon Boulevard will
probably be modernized in the future, and the adjacent building may be higher as well, so it
would be unfortunate to require the New Morning Cafe building to be a two-story building and
then have the neighboring building go up higher. He suggested exploring light wells and/or
enhanced setbacks for the second or third story. He commended the applicant for not proposing
building 7 feet out into the sidewalk as many applicants would have proposed that just so they
could give it back. Overall, he was happy to see this property being unproved and thought that
the general look and feel of the project was headed in a nice direction. He said that everyone
cherishes New Morning Cafe, but also want the site to modernize and bring housing and more
life to downtown. He said that on balance the project could use more modification to bring more
light to the property at 1690 Tiburon Boulevard.
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 25, 2015 - MINUTES NO. 1053 PAGE 6
Vice Chair Kulik said that when he looked at this first from a conditional use standpoint, what
was proposed on the ground floor was excellent and exactly what the Town wants. He said that
adding housing downtown was also a great thing and a mixed use project would be very
beneficial both from the ground floor and second floor point of view. He understood that limiting
this building to one story would probably not be economically viable and he knows there must be
a profit motive to make this a viable project. However, he said the Commission is charged with
evaluating the scale and impact to the local enviromnent of the project in its totality. He believed
that there are limited beneficiaries of the third floor and many would be affected in an adverse
way. He acknowledged the profit motive for developing that third floor but said that many would
be affected in the process. He said that there are limited setbacks now, with an 18 to 24 inch
gangway that separates the two structures. He was unsure what could be done to mitigate the
light impacts.
Chair Welner said that he was delighted to see this kind of development being proposed and
moving forward in Tiburon and he thinks it is exciting on many levels. However, he thought that
there was a scale issue and it appeared that the consensus of the Planning Commission was that
this should be continued with direction to return with some modifications. He agreed that the
people living in the condominiums above will not likely park in the 6 designated spaces and it
did not seem like a realistic parking solution. He asked that the Commission outline what the
applicant should address with a revised project.
Commissioner Weller said that no Commissioner was saying that the building must stay one
story, but a two-story solution that would allow light into the windows at 1690 Tiburon
Boulevard could be considered. He suggested that the application be continued with direction to
the applicant to return with a redesign involving 1) lower height, 2) allowing more light into the
1690 Tiburon Boulevard windows, and 3) a more detailed explanation of the parking issue. He
stated that he personally parks in the Beach Road lot every day to take the ferry and it fills up by
the time the last ferry at 8:40 a.m. leaves. He said that he would like to understand more about
the interaction about what is happening there and how the 6 spaces which would be dedicated to
this proposed building would relate to use of the existing parking.
Chair Welner asked and confirmed with Mr. Zwick was amenable to making these revisions and
in returning to the Commission.
ACTION: It was M/S (Weller/Kulik) to continue the matter to April 22, 2015 with direction to
the applicant to revise the proposal to address 1) height, 2) light issues to 1690 Tiburon
Boulevard and 3) clarify how parking will work. Motion carried 4-0.
NEW BUSINESS
2. Consider Recommendation to Town Council to Accept the Annual General Plan
Implementation Status Report for Calendar Year 2014
Director of Community Development Anderson stated that this is the 10th Annual Report staff
has prepared since the General Plan was last comprehensively updated in 2005. At this time, a
fair number of the programs have been fully implemented and there are a dwindling number of
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 25, 20] 5 - MINUTES NO. 1053 PAGE 7
programs still active that continue to be worked on by staff. Some elements, such as the Housing
Element, have been updated more than once since 2005 per state law requirements. But, other
than that the General Plan remains largely as it was adopted in 2005. The staff report highlighted
the progress made during the last calendar year (2014) on implementation of programs still being
pursued. Anderson recommended that the Commission review the document, make comments or
suggestions, and staff will forward those onto the Town Council for their consideration.
Commissioner Weller asked staff if they have any particular priorities or highlights to be called
to the Commissioner's attention in its review. Mr. Anderson said that much of the progress made
in 2014 was incremental. He mentioned some of the open space management work that has
occurred since the Town adopted the Open Space Resource Management Plan in 2010, stating
that as of the end of 2014 the Town has tackled all Priority One open space management areas in
one form or another. He described progress at Daily Knoll recreation facility, stating that the
Council recently let the contract for the final stairway improvement, which will take children
from Reed Elementary School up to that building. He said that staff also made progress on the
Circulation Element which will return for a comprehensive update later this year, as well as the
Yellow School Bus challenge in the fall when fully put into place. He stated that over the last 10
years the traffic on Tiburon Boulevard, especially during the school hours, has gotten
considerably worse. He noted that demographics and school issues are now driving the
Circulation Element Update, instead of new development, which had been the primary driver for
past decades. With respect to the Housing Element, he stated that staff spent the year updating
the Element, and was unable to make progress on programs other than to complete the update.
The next update of that Element is not required for eight years.
Chair Welner opened the public comment period, and, as there were no speakers, closed the
comment period.
Vice Chair Kulik commended staff for providing a great summary.
Commissioner Weller said that the most challenging issue with Tiburon is congestion on Tiburon
Boulevard. He noticed that the status for Program C -m is listed as "ongoing" and not "high." He
asked why this is not a high priority item as opposed to an ongoing priority item since most
people agree that this is a significant issue.
Mr. Anderson said that that program dates from 2005 which is before the 50% increase in school
attendance. He agreed that it has become more of a high priority in the last several years and he
said that he would make this adjustment to its status level. Commissioner Weller suggested that
the Commission be on record as agreeing this is a program of high priority.
Chair Welner commented that "ongoing" seems to be more often listed as a status and he asked
if it items might be reflected as low, medium or high priorities. Mr. Anderson said that staff will
take this under advisement and make adjustments for next year's annual report.
ACTION: It was M/C (Corcoran/Weller) to direct staff to forward the Annual General Plan
Implementation Status Report for Calendar Year 2014 to the Town Council for acceptance, as
amended to amend the status level for Program C -m to high priority. Motion carried: 4-0.
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 25, 2015 - MINUTES NO. 1053 PAGE 8
MINUTES
1. Planning Commission Minutes — Regular Meeting of January 14, 2015
Commissioner Weller requested the following amendment:
• Page 6, 3rd paragraph from bottom, remove the word, "and" where it states, "but and".
ACTION: It was M/S (Corcoran/Kulik) to approve the minutes of the January 14, 2015, as
amended. Motion carried: 4-0.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
ATTEST:
Sdt (.,__)
DANIEL M. WATROUS, SECRET Y
Tiburon Planning Commission
TIBURON PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - MARCH 25, 2015 - MINUTES NO. 1053 PAGE 9
TIBURON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of Minutes, Mar. 11, 2015
3. COMMUNICATIONS
WEDNESDAY, APR. 8, 2015
6:30 RM., HEADQUARTERS
FIRE STATION
1679 TIBURON BLVD.
4, PUBLIC OPEN TIME for items not on the agenda
This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons who want to address the Agency on any matter not
listed on the agenda. The Ralph M. Brown Act prohibits discussion of items that are not duly placed on
the agenda. Speakers are limited to three minutes. Please Note: the Chair will allow time for public
comment on each agenda item.
5. CHIEF'S REPORT
A. Monthly Report
B. Approve Appointment of Steven Ardigo to Battalion Chief, Range 320, Step #1, $9,401/mo.,
effective April 16, 2015
C. Approve Appointment of James Hart to Firefighter Trainee, Range 322, Step #1, $2,845/mo.,
effective April 16, 2015
D. Discussion of LAFCO Special District Representative Election
E. Apparatus Committee Recommendations
6. TREASURER'S REPORT
A. Finance Committee — Directors Kirchhoff and Sears
Finance Committee Meeting — Monday, April 6, 2015, 1530 hrs.
Headquarters Fire Station, 1679 Tiburon Blvd.
B. Approval of Warrants
C. Update on CaIPERS liability prefunding
D. Review current year budget revisions
E. Recognition of CFO Rosevear as recipient of 2014 GFOA-CAFR Award
7. RESOLUTIONS
A. Approve Resolution identifying the Terms and Conditions for Fire Department response away from
their official duty station and assigned to an emergency incident
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. MERA — Chief Pearce
B. SMEMPS — Director O'Neill
C. PERSONNEL — Directors Sears and Miller
D. SPHERE OF INFLUENCE — Directors O'Neill and Kirchhoff
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ifyou need special assistance to participate in this
meeting, please contact the District office at 435-720o. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting
will enable the District to make reasonable arrangements.
9. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
10. ADJOURNMENT
NEXT REGULAR TFPD BOARD MEETING: May 13, 2015, 6:30 PM. A complete agenda package is
available for viewing at 1679 Tiburon Blvd. Copies of past TFPD minutes are available for viewing at the
same location.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this
meeting, please contact the District office at 435-7200. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting
will enable the District to make reasonable arrangements.
AGENDA - SPECIAL MEETING
BELVEDERE CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 27, 2015, 10:00 A.M.
CHINA CABIN, 52 BEACH ROAD, BELVEDERE, CALIFORNIA
COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
The public will be given an opportunity speak on each agenda item when it is called. Upon being
recognized by the Mayor, please state your name and address, and limit your oral statement to no
more than three minutes. The Council welcomes comments and questions raised by interested
citizens but typically does not respond during the comment period.
10:00 AM CALL TO ORDER
OPEN FORUM
This is an opportunity for any citizen to briefly address the City Council on any matter that does not
appear on this agenda. Upon being recognized by the Mayor, please state your name, address, and limit
your oral statement to no more than three minutes. Matters that appear to warrant a more lengthy
presentation or Council consideration will be agendized for fimther discussion at a later meeting.
SCHEDULED ITEM
Strategic planning session to discuss long-term capital needs and various policy questions. The
Council will take no action, but may direct City staff to prepare materials for consideration on a
future City Council agenda.
ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION
2. CLOSED SESSION: CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
Unrepresented and represented employees: All City employees. The closed session is for a
review of the City Council's position and to instruct the City's designated representative, City
Manager Mary Neilan, regarding salaries and/or compensation paid in the form of fringe benefits
to members of the Belvedere Police Officers Association and to unrepresented City employees.
Closed session permitted pursuant to § 54957.6(a) of the California Government Code.
ADJOURN
NOTICE: WHERE TO VIEW AGENDA MATERIALS
Staff reports and other materials distributed to the City Council are available for public inspection at the following
locations:
• Online at www.cityofbelvedere.org/archive.aspx
• Belvedere City Hall, 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere. (Materials distributed to the City Council after the
Thursday before the meeting are available for public inspection at this location only.)
• Belvedere -Tiburon Library, 1501 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon.
To request automatic mailing of agenda materials, please contact the City Clerk at 415/435-8908.
NOTICE: AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
The following accommodations will be provided, upon request, to persons with a disability: agendas and/or agenda
packet materials in altemate formats and special assistance needed to attend or participate in this meeting. Please
make your request at the Office of the City Clerk or by calling 415/435-3838. Whenever possible, please make your
request four working days in advance.
Date posted: 04/23/2015