HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Minutes 2017-06-07 TOWN COUNCIL
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING—6:45 P.M.
On June 7, 2017, the Council held a special meeting as follows:
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Councilmember Fredericks, Councilmember Tollini, Vice Mayor O'Donnell, Mayor Fraser
INTERVIEWS FOR VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
(Marin-Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District Board— One Vacancy)
• Alannah Kinser, 7 East Terrace
CLOSED SESSION
1) Conference with Legal Counsel —Existing Litigation
(Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9)
Jordan v. Town of Tiburon Marin County Superior Court Case No. CIV 14-04196
ADJOURNMENT—to regular meeting
REGULAR MEETING —7:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Fraser called the regular meeting of the Tiburon Town Council to order at 7:30 p.m.
on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, in Town Council Chambers, 1505 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon,
California.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Fraser, Fredericks, O'Donnell, Tollini
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: One Vacant Seat
PRESENT: EX OFFICIO: Town Manager Chanis, Town Attorney Stock,
Director of Public Works/Town Engineer Barnes,
Director of Community Development Anderson,
Director of Administrative Services Bigall, Chief of
Police Cronin, Management Analyst Creekmore,
Town Clerk Stefani
Town Council Minutes 912-2017 June 7, 2017 Page I
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Sarah Loughran encourages local municipalities to opt for 100%renewable energy through Marin
Clean Energy(or"deep green"). She said Marin County is an example of environmental stewardship,
and is looked to for leadership. She said the Town of Tiburon is one of the last municipalities in
Marin to opt for"deep green", and encouraged the Council to do so.
Helene Marsh, Paradise Drive, is committed to renewable energy. She commented on the progress
Tiburon has made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and encouraged the Town to set an
example for residents and businesses and convert to "deep green".
Sana Thomas said she and her daughter were worried about climate change and have made their own
efforts to reduce emissions. She believed that action to reduce emissions should be taken at the local
level, and encouraged the Town to convert to "deep green".
Barbara Tomber, Harbor Oak Drive, hoped the Council would opt for 100%renewable energy. She
said she was unsure if Tiburon would meet its emission reduction goals, as outlined in the Climate
Action Plan. She added that if the Town opted for"deep green", those goals would be easily met.
Chris Kubik, Marin Clean Energy employee, thanked the Town for being a"light green"customer,
and commented on the large emissions reductions when switching from "light green" to "dark
green". She said making the switch is a cost-effective way for the Town to reach its Climate Action
Plan goals. She said many municipalities and businesses are now opting for"deep green"based on
the belief that"climate action today is more valuable than climate action tomorrow'.
Chance Cutrano of the Sierra Club,encouraged the Council to switch to 100%renewable energy for
municipal uses. He said over half of Marin communities have opted for "deep green", and
commented that this type of environmental action and leadership makes the Sierra Club proud, and
makes him proud to be a Marin County resident.
Don Love urged the Council to consider"deep green". He said Marin Clean Energy is a good option
for the community, and said it was time to "think globally, and act locally".
PRESENTATION
P-1. Recognition of Outgoing Board and Commission Members:
o Mike Tollini, Design Review Board 2008-2017
Mayor Fraser presented Mike Tollini with a plaque and thanked him for his many years of service.
CONSENT CALENDAR
CC-1. Town Council Minutes —Adopt minutes of May 3, 2017 special and regular meetings
(Town Clerk Stefam)
Town Council Minutes#12-2017 June 7, 2017 Page 2
CC-2. Town Council Minutes—Adopt minutes of May 17,2017 special and regular meetings
(Town Clerk Stefani)
CC-3. Subdivision Ordinance—Adopt ordinance repealing Title IV,Chapter 14(Subdivision
of Land) and adopting a new Title IV, Chapter 14 (Subdivision of Land) setting forth
regulation and procedures for subdivisions and other subdivision-related permits
(Community Development Department)
CC-4. Vacancies on Town Boards and Commissions — Announce special vacancy on the
Design Review Board (Town Clerk Stefani)
MOTION: To adopt Consent Calendar Items 1-4, as written.
Moved: Fredericks, seconded by Tollini
VOTE: AYES: Fredericks, Fraser, O'Donnell, Tollini
ABSENT: One Vacant Seat
PUBLIC HEARINGS
PH-l. Municipal Code Amendments — Consider amendment to modify residency
requirements for the Design Review Board (Community Development Department) —
Introduction and first reading of ordinance
Director of Community Development Anderson said the Council had directed staff to prepare an
ordinance amending the Municipal Code to require Design Review Board members to be residents of
the Town of Tiburon. He said this change will not affect current board membership.
Mayor Fraser opened the floor for public comment. There was none.
Motion: To introduce the ordinance and read by title only, waiving further reading, schedule
for adoption at the next regular meeting and motion to hold a roll call vote on the
introduction of the ordinance, as written.
Moved: Fredericks, seconded by Tollini
VOTE: AYES: Unanimous
ABSENT: One Vacant Seat
Mayor Fraser read "An Ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon Amending Title I,
Chapter 2, Section 2-20 of the Tiburon Municipal Code Regarding the Composition of the Design
Review Board".
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Fraser, Fredericks, O'Donnell, Tollini
ABSENT: One Vacant Seat
PH-2. Municipal Code Amendments—Consider amendment to establish streamlined review
procedures for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (Community Development
Town Council Minutes#12-2017 June 7, 2017 Page 3
Department)—Introduction and first reading of ordinance
Director Anderson said a recently enacted state law requires counties and municipalities to adopt an
expedited and streamlined process for permitting electric vehicle charging stations. He said this was
one of a series of laws intended to promote greenhouse gas emission reductions. He gave a brief
overview of the streamlined permitting process, and said the ordinance will likely be
noncontroversial and will not have any effect on the current process.
Vice Mayor O'Donnell asked about the inspection process once the station is installed at a home or
business. Anderson said the focus is safety, and ensuring the high-powered electrical system is
installed safely and securely.
Mayor Fraser opened the floor for public comment. There was none.
Motion: To introduce the ordinance and read by title only, waiving further reading, schedule for
adoption at the next regular meeting and motion to hold a roll call vote on the
introduction of the ordinance, as written.
Moved: Tollini, seconded by Fredericks
VOTE: AYES: Unanimous
ABSENT: One Vacant Seat
Mayor Fraser read"An Ordinance of the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon Amending Chapter
13 (Building Regulations) to Provide an Expedited, Streamlined Permitting Process for Electric
Vehicle Charging Stations".
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Fraser, Fredericks, O'Donnell, Tollini
ABSENT: One Vacant Seat
PH-3. 2017-18 Municipal Budget—Introduction of Fiscal Year 2017-18 Municipal Budget and
Capital Improvement Program
Town Manager Chanis gave a summary of the entire anticipated operating budget for FY 2017-18.
He said the proposed budget showed revenues of$11,752,247 and expenditures of$11,551,825,with
an operating surplus for the year in the amount of$200,422.
He said the operating revenue is expected to increase by 5.9%in the coming year, attributing this to
an increase in property and other taxes, investment earnings and charges for services (like building
permits and fines). He noted a decrease in expected sales tax revenue due to the removal of one of
the Town's larger sales tax revenue generators: the Corinthian Yacht Club.
Management Analyst Creekmore said operating expenditures were expected to increase by 6.6%in
the coming year due to increases in salary and wages,employee benefits,supplies and services,and a
shift of$90,000 from the Capital Improvement Plan to the Public Works operating budget.
Town Council Minutes #12-2017 June 7, 2017 Page 4
She also reviewed several anticipated expenditures in the coming year—Corp Yard and Town Hall
maintenance, open space vegetation management, increased election costs, and additional
contributions to the OPEB Reserve and CalPERS unfunded liability. Creekmore then reviewed the
trend of operating expenditures over recent years,and gave a brief overview of proposed increases in
expenditures by department.
Vice Mayor O'Donnell asked about the increased expenditure for contract services in the
Community Development Department. Director Anderson said this expenditure was for outside
building permit plan checking services. He said this number more accurately reflects what is being
spent, as this item has been consistently under-budgeted for in previous years.
Mayor Fraser asked why the CalPERS unfunded liability payment had been moved out of the
departmental budgets. He believed this expenditure should be spread across the departments,as it is
reflective of employee headcounts, and doing otherwise might be misrepresentative of the actual
yearly departmental expenditures. Director Bigall said this expenditure can be accounted for either
way. She said Staff accounted for it in this manner because the Town is choosing to contribute
toward it,but is not required. She said the required portion of the Town's unfunded liability is spread
throughout departments based on costs and headcounts.
O'Donnell clarified that there are two unfunded liability issues: OPEB and CalPERS. He said the
Budget Committee and staff had discussed gradually paying down the large CaIPERS liability. He
said the funds for making this payment are coming out of the Town's reserves,which is why it is not
included in the departmental budgets.
Director of Public Works Barnes reviewed the proposed projects in the next fiscal year's Capital
Improvement Program,with a total budget of$4.5 million. He said the Town would be conducting a
major pothole repair project to remove small failed sections of streets and preserve the life of the
streets, and annual drainage improvements. Other projects include drainage and slide repairs on
Sugarloaf Drive, replacement of a damaged culvert under the Old Rail Trail (done in conjunction
with Belvedere),and utility undergrounding.He said the largest project in the CIP is the McKegney
Green Play Field.
Director Barnes then brought up a slide showing all the various projects included in the Capital
Improvement Program, and reviewed how each project is prioritized into one of three tiers. He
pointed out two new projects that had been recently added, and highlighted the projects that were
included in this fiscal year's Capital Improvement Plan.
Town Manager Chanis reviewed the proposed fund transfers for the coming fiscal year.He said staff
was recommending a transfer of$4.7 million dollars out of the General Fund Allocated Reserves and
the Employee Housing Assistance funds and into funds for the CalPERS Liability Reserve, OPEB
Fund, Self-Insurance,hlfrastructure&Facility Replacement,Public Works Corp Yard Improvement,
Park Development & Old Rail Trail, and Streets & Drainage.
Town Council Minutes#12-2017 June 7, 2017 Page 5
Vice Mayor O'Donnell and Town Manager Chanis discussed the various initiatives over the years to
build up a reserve of funds to improve the Public Works Corp Yard, including this year's transfer of
$1,000,000. Chanis said that only preliminary studies have been done at this stage, but the project
will likely cost several million dollars.He said this transfer of funds is an attempt to get closer to that
goal.
Mayor Fraser wondered if there was an opportunity to partner with Belvedere on Corp Yard
facilities. Chanis said there may be. O'Donnell commented that there had also been some discussion
on sharing Corp Yard facilities with the Richardson Bay Sanitary District.
Chanis then referred to another graphic representation of the fluctuation total of these
unrestricted General Fund reserves, and referred the Council to another graphic showing the
projected totals of the three different categories of funds (policy-driven, discretionary,
unallocated) if the fund transfers are approved. He noted that the proposed budget shows
decrease in the unallocated fund balance due to allocating those funds to specific projects.
Vice Mayor O'Donnell said this was a change from previous budgets; he said the Town is now
beginning to spend the unallocated funds on projects, and ranking projects by priority was a wise
way to go about it. Chanis added that the fund transfer toward OPER and CAPERS was still only
a transfer at this time; the Council will discuss the actual spending at a later date.
Councilmember Tollini believed the actual expenditures would not be all that different; it was
just a question of replenishing funds after spending, rather than before. Councilmember
Fredericks agreed, and thought this way may be more transparent. Director Bigall said it had
been Town practice in years past to reallocate additional funds to other reserve funds.
O'Donnell commented that the third-party trust for the OPEB liability has done very well. Chanis
said the Town has made a return of about $75,000 since establishing the tryst.
O'Donnell asked if the Town was prepared to move forward on energy-efficiency projects, such
as installing solar panels on the Police Department building. Town Manager Chanis said staff is
working on obtaining rough costs for both solar panels and public EV charging stations in Town,
and will return to Council once information is finalized.
Mayor Fraser wondered if there was an opportunity to develop a partnership with one or more of
the privately owned parking lots in Town for EV charging stations.
Councilmember Fredericks said she would like to see the switch to "deep green" with Marin
Clean Energy included in the budget, and commented that this switch may even be profitable for
the Town if solar panels are installed. She also asked about the projects that were being
considered for the allotted Open Space Management funds, and if those projects included
maintenance of native species habitats that are at risk of collapse.
Town Council Minutes #12-2017 June 7, 2017 Page 6
Director Barnes said more money had been added to the budget so as to address "Phase 1" and
"Phase 2" projects quicker than usual, so the Town could then focus on habitat protection
projects sooner than originally planned, but not this year.
Fredericks believed addressing the habitat loss to be a critical project, and was concerned that
waiting a few years would further endanger the habitat. She asked for more information to be
brought back to the Council before the official budget adoption at the next meeting, so the
Council can decide if it desires to allocate more funds to specifically address this project.
Mayor Fraser opened floor for public comment.
Helene Marsh, Tiburon resident, requested that "deep green" be included in the proposed budget.
She commented that other municipalities have seen enough savings by installing solar panels to
help pay for the added cost.
Sarah Klein, Hawthorne Drive, asked that the Council postpone the transfer of funds to pay for
the unfunded liability until the two new councilmembers are seated and until the Marin County
civil grand jury report on pensions is discussed.
Councilmember Tollini commented that the Council received a report from an expert about the
rationale for funding CalPERS unfunded liability payments in a strategic way. She mentioned the
large interest rate on the liability, and said it makes budgetary sense to begin paying it down.
O'Donnell agreed, and said this was the first necessary step in working down debts.
Councilmember Fredericks said she was in support of the fund transfer for the liability expense,
and believed it to be wise to be in a position in which the Town could pay down the liability and
the expense of carrying the liability as well. Town Manager Chanis clarified that this request was
only for a fund transfer; he said staff would return to Council with the request to make any
payments.
Vice Mayor O'Donnell said the Council should remain vigilant about this matter, and remain
apprised of how other cities and towns are managing their liabilities as well. He said there are a
number of ways to deal with it.
Of the request to add "deep green" to the budget, O'Donnell believed the Town could do more
than take a leadership role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He thought direct action to
reduce emissions would be more appropriate and said Tiburon has taken more of these direct
steps to reduce emissions than other Marin communities. He thought it would be even more
valuable to encourage the remaining 30% of Tiburon residents that are not customers of Marin
Clean Energy to make the switch. He said he had no problem with switching, but said the
Council should understand that it would only be a leadership role.
Town Council Minutes #12-2017 June 7, 2017 Page 7
Mayor Fraser said there were many ways to reduce the Town's carbon footprint. He suggested
setting aside some funds toward the ultimate goal of utilizing renewable energy, and having a
discussion at a later date as to what projects to allocate those funds towards.
Fredericks believed the Town should set a standard for the community, and that the Town does
benefit from a reduction in its own footprint by switching to "deep green".
O'Donnell agreed with his fellow councilmembers, and said it would be fair to review this option
in conjunction with other similar projects at a later date.
Fraser said the Council wants to be responsible, and the goal should not be to just take a
leadership role, but to encourage more users to utilize renewable power. He believed the Council
should be better informed and look at the bigger picture, so this option should be considered
alongside a collective group of"green"projects the Council would like to see in the community.
The rest of the Council agreed, and Chanis confirmed that a budget amendment could be made at
a later date for any future changes.
Councilmember Fredericks asked that the rest of the Council consider supplementing the budget
with more funds for Open Space management and species/habitat preservation; she expressed
concern that the Town had not allocated enough money to protect against habitat collapse.
Town Manager Chanis clarified the proposed budget includes an additional $25,000 over the
current year's funding for Open Space management, and Director of Public Works Barnes
confirmed that this level of funding likely would not address those concerns this year.
Mayor Fraser asked the staff to return to the Council with the necessary information and funding
levels necessary to move forward with Councilmember Fredericks' recommendation, so an
appropriate budget amendment can be made if necessary. The Council agreed.
MOTION: Accept the report, and continue the matter for adoption of the FY 2017-18
Municipal Budget to the June 21, 2017 regular meeting.
Moved: Tollini, seconded by O'Donnell
VOTE: AYES: Fredericks, Fraser, O'Donnell, Tollini
ABSENT: One Vacant Seat
ACTION ITEMS
AI-l. Vacancies on Town Boards and Commissions—Consider making appointment to the
Marin-Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees (Town Clerk
Stefani)
Town Clerk Stefani said the Council interviewed one applicant, Alannah Kinser, for a vacancy on
the Marin-Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District Board.
Town Council Minutes #12-2017 June 7, 2017 Page 8
Mayor Fraser opened the floor for public comment. There was none.
MOTION: To appoint Alannah Kinser to the Marin-Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control
District Board of Trustees.
Moved: Tollini, seconded by O'Donnell
VOTE: AYES: Fredericks, Fraser, O'Donnell, Tollini
ABSENT: One Vacant Seat
AI-2. Recognition of Departing Town Councilmember Erin Tollini—On the occasion of
her final Council meeting, the Council is invited to share their thoughts with
Councilmember Erin Tollini, and Councilmember Tollini is invited to share her
comments as well (Mayor Fraser)
Mayor Fraser said the Council was saying farewell to one of their team,Councilmember Tollini.He
said she has served on the Joint Rec Committee, the Planning Commission, and on the Town
Council as Councilmember, Vice Mayor, and as Mayor. He applauded her leadership in the
community, and in the many initiatives she has led,sometimes against the tide. He said the Council
is lucky to have her support and counsel, and the community is lucky to have someone like her
looking out for their interests and lending her voice to those who do not have a strong voice.
Councilmember Fredericks said she regrets not having the chance to work with Tollini on more
projects, and commended her calm presence,her poise,and her ability to interact with those with an
opposing viewpoint respectfully. She said Tollini is gracious, funny, well-spoken, and further
commented on Tollini's innovative ideas to revitalize the downtown.
Vice Mayor O'Donnell said Tollini had been an excellent councilperson, and her interests in the
matters at hand,and her intelligence,had shown. He commended her integrity,her sense of financial
conservatism,her logic and her vision.He said he valued her presence on the Council and she will be
missed.
Mayor Fraser presented Councilmember Tollini with several gifts, including a framed resolution
commemorating her time serving the Town of Tiburon.
Councilmember Tollini said many factors have contributed to malting Tiburon a very special place to
her, including Town service. She thanked the staff for their friendship and assistance. She said she
admired the life Councilmember Fredericks had created here, and her involvement with the greater
community. She said serving alongside Vice Mayor O'Donnell helped her to become a better
councilmember and admired his ability to navigate through tough issues. Finally, Tollini said she
looped up to Mayor Fraser's ability to hear all viewpoints in the room,and seek out opinions of those
who may be unrepresented. She said she appreciated his advice over the years, and viewed him as a
mentor. She said Tiburon will always feel like home.
TOWN COUNCIL REPORTS
Town Council R9inutes 912-2017 June 7, 2017 Page 9
There were none.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
There were none.
WEEKLY DIGESTS
Received.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Town Counci o p{�e Town of Tiburon, Mayor Fraser
adjourned the meeting at 9:44 p.m. j
JIM F S MAYOR
ATTEST:
i
LEA STEFANI, TOWN CLERK
Town Council Minutes #12-2017 June 7, 2017 Page 10