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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Min 2001-09-05 , ,...... TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Mayor Thompson called the regular meeting of the Tiburon Town Council to order at 7:35 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5,2001, in Council Chambers located at 1505 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon, California. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bach, Gram, Matthews, Slavitz, Mayor Thompson PRESENT: EX OFFICIO: Town Attorney Danforth, Planning Director Anderson, Director of Public Works Echols, Chief of Police Odetto, Assistant to the Town Manager McVeigh, Meeting Recorder Flanagan ANNOUNCEMENT OF ACnON TAKEN IN CLOSED SESSION. IF ANY Mayor Thompson noted that Council had met in Closed Session and had given instruction to the Town Attorney. I'"' INTRODUCnON OF NEW TOWN EMPLOYEES Police ChiefOdetto introduced new Police Officers John Ahuncaine, Travis Higgins and Rob Law. ORAL COMMUNICA nONS None. CONSENT CALENDAR 1) Approval of Town Council Minutes - August 15,2001 Changes included: Page 8, last paragraph before the motion, change "Congestion Management Agency" to "Marin Telecommunications Agency." 2) Report by Finance Director - Monthly Investment Summary Report (July 31,2001) - MOTION: Moved: Vote: To approve the Consent Calendar as amended. Gram, Seconded by Bach AYES: Unanimous ABSTAIN: Slavitz Town Council Minutes #23-2001 September 5, 2001 Page 1 / , ,,--. REGULAR AGENDA (3) Recommendation by Planning Director - Response to Marin County Local Agency Formation Commission Request for Comments on Proposed Dual Annexation Policy Amendments Planning Director Anderson reviewed the staff report and added that it is Staff" s recommendation to restore criteria and related findings that were deleted and direct Staff to send a letter to LAFCO accordingly. He added that the amended policy generally makes more sense, reads better and is more understandable to the public; it is a large improvement over existing policy; however important criteria and related findings were eliminated. In response to questions, he stated that Staff does not know the rationale of the subcommittee to eliminate this language. Also, if the amended policy were approved, with the Town's suggested modifications, LAFCO would not determine that Strawberry should be part of Tiburon because Strawberry is served by all districts and requires no additional services, San Rafael and Novato have responded to the amended policy. San Rafael has similar concerns as Tiburon, while Novato is in a different situation since its Urban Growth Boundary is in conflict with LAFCO. It was Council consensus to approve Planning Director Anderson's draft letter and authorize the Acting Town Manager to forward it to LAFCO immediately. I'"' (4) Recommendation by Public Works Director - Ferry Access and Safety Improvements Project - Additional Considerations Regarding Design Changes Director of Public Works Echols presented the Staff report. In response to questions, he stated the project cannot be put out to bid without regulatory agencies' approvals and a minor redesign will not impact the schedule. June 2002 would be the first possible time that would be allowed by the agencies for pile removal and driving. Councilmember Gram asked the number of bicycle racks that would be lost if the trees remained and suggested concrete could be extended to cover tree roots, with pavers added on top of the concrete. He added that the trees do break up a huge and boring fayade as seen by Point Tiburon residents. Project Architect James McLane responded he wants to redesign the railing so the trees will work with the railing. He estimated that eight to twelve bicycle spaces would be lost to preserve the existing trees. He said he would prefer removal of the unhealthy trees and the planting of replacement trees. -. Stephen Wheeler, landscape architect, recommended the installation of root control barriers and tree species with nonsurficial roots. Concrete would allow differential settlement; also, roots could crack the concrete. He added, with planting and paving, there is always a risk of cracking/heaving concrete. To screen Guaymas from view, there are ways to more effectively screen than a clump of trees. If screening is a major concern, it could be addressed with alternatives other than trees. Town Council Minutes #23.2001 September 5, 2001 Page 2 r / --~----, I'"' Mr. McLane added that if screening is proposed as a Council criterion, he would recommend the regular spacing of trees to work with the railing. Spacing would be similar to the bollards. Bicycles would have to be parked a different way. Different lighting would be necessary; suggesting that pole lights may be appropriate. New trees in a saltwater setting is not recommended because they are not natural to that setting and will block views when walking from Main Street or Tiburon Boulevard. Gram stated that when the [above] design guidelines came back before the Council, the portion excluding the trees would be discussed further. Mayor Thompson noted a goal is to maximize the bicycle racks and he would prefer two or three new trees appropriately spaced, located in the park, so the bicycle rack is not changed. Councilmember Bach stated that to screen the Guaymas fa"ade, there should be three or four trees with slim trunks and high foliage that do not interfere with bicycles, to hide the top of the building. Elsewhere in the world there are attractive trees along waterfronts. Mr. Wheeler stated he would need to study the water table and soil conditions before recommending replacement species, He suggested a concrete planter box could be used for root control, which could be located below the paving, Councilmember Slavitz suggested locating replacement trees away from the railing to ensure I'"' roots are not affected by saltwater. Gram cautioned the architects to not block views of Point Tiburon residents. Bach added he does not like a long row of bicycles, and trees may help to break the long rack. Mayor Thompson opened the public hearing. Jay Key, Point Tiburon resident and Boardmember, stated he and the Board are reassured that Councilmembers do not want the trees removed. If the trees are removed, Point Tiburon residents' view would be not only of the Guaymas building but also of weekend parties in the bar, as well as views of the restaurant's storage area, The initial landscape architect designated these trees because of their shallow root system. The dead trees should be replaced; do not remove the healthy trees. Originally, Point Tiburon Boardmembers did not understand that the trees were recommended for removal or they would have made their sentiments known to the Council sooner. He asked to be included in any future landscaping design. He read conditions of the project's initial approvals. Regarding bicycle racks, the major issue is on sunny weekends when the ferry is in. Many racks will not be used. People keep their expensive bicycles in their sight, not in racks. Only Point Tiburon residents see the trees and they do not want to lose their view corridor or buffer zone. Dellie Woodring, Point Tiburon resident, stated she also is grateful the Council intends to keep _ the trees. The Council should not change the town to be more charming for tourists and less charming for residents. Town Council Minutes #23-2001 September 5, 2001 Page 3 /- . - Helen Lindqvist, Cazadero Lane, suggested bicycle racks could be located in the northern part of the fountain plaza, which is little used, with a double-sided bicycle rack. This would be the primary bicycle rack and ferry riders could walk across the street. Sausalito has a wooden platform by the water for people to enjoy the water. The ferry plaza would be better as a seating area with flower pots, trees, with bicycles elsewhere. She concurred expensive bikes remain with their owners and owners do not lock their bicycles in racks, out of sight. There being no further comment, Mayor Thompson closed the public hearing. Gram suggested, since there is no time pressure, to appoint a subcommittee of the Council and invite Point Tiburon residents to discuss how to deal with trees and screening implementations. Council should not redesign the whole project; rather, recommend minimal changes to address the tree and buffer issue. Mr. McLane concurred and added his team was not given the opportunity to hear residents' concerns; he will accommodate Council's goals. . Mayor Thompson suggested creating an ad hoc subcommittee of two Councilmembers. Mr. Wheeler reiterated he would like first to complete a soil suitability study to obtain a soil profile to understand the salt water level and intrusion, to ensure that future plantings thrive, I'"' Slavitz added that the committee's goal should be to recommend landscaping to screen bicycles and the building. Bach and Gram volunteered for the subcommittee. Mayor Thompson asked that the subcommittee remember to be cost conscious. There should not be the maximum amount of bicycle racks; he concurs the racks are rarely used. Two or three trees, spaced proportionately and pulled out from the railing, will suffice. In response to questions, Echols stated that decisions for minor redesign should be made by the end of the year. MOTION: To appoint an hoc committee consisting of Bach and Gram, to work with Point Tiburon residents, to recommend landscaping to screen bicycles and the Guaymas building, Matthews, Seconded by Slavitz AYES: Unanimous Moved: Vote: COUNCIL. STAFF. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND RECOMMENDAnONS (5) Recommendation by Chief of Police and Public Works Director - Tiburon Peninsula Traffic Committee Final Report: Establish Procedure for Public Review and Approval of the Report's Recommendations - Town Council Minutes #23-2001 September 5, 2001 Page 4 /__n , - Planning Director Anderson reviewed the Staff report. In response to questions, he stated that the $8,000 requested by Staff included the cost for the traffic consultant to attend community meetings and create cost estimates. Council member Slavitz asked if elements of the TET AP traffic report were reviewed and at what point the two would be integrated. Anderson responded that the TETAP report focused on four issues, all of which would help the flow of traffic on Tiburon Boulevard, but are not directly related to the schools. The two studies will move forward on separate tracks, Councilmember Gram asked if the cost should be a shared expense with the school district and the City of Belvedere. Anderson responded that it would be possible to pursue this, noting that the costs of the original study were split Council member Bach stated some items in the report are farfetched and money should not be spent on items not relevant to the issue, which the traffic consultant appears to not totally understand. Director of Public Works Echols noted that costing would be at the end of the process. The first I'"' step would be dialogue to determine if the recommendations were supported by the residents. The traffic consultant's ideas should be refined and clarified, then she would be asked to provide costings. Mayor Thompson asked for public comment Bill McLaughlin, 2334 Mar East, Chair of the Tiburon Peninsula Traffic subcommittee, urged Council to not forget the focus of the project. The traffic study initially was not a schools program, rather, the schools were used because they were regular locations along the peninsula; this was to be expanded to improve traffic along Tiburon Boulevard. The traffic committee received no direction from CounciL Belvedere did not participate. No direction was given the traffic consultant. Some issues were citizen-driven, to which the traffic consultant tried to respond. Costing was. not approved. The committee members did not think it was their role to cost items. There has been no discussion as to funding by the schools. There being no further comment, Mayor Thompson returned the discussion to the Council. Mayor Thompson noted this effort is about changing behavior, and techniques such as car pooling will help. Councilmember Matthews noted traffic has flowed smoothly along Tiburon Boulevard this first week of school. so ideas have improved the traffic flow. - Town Councillvlinutes #23.2001 September 5, 2001 Page 5 , r r Slavitz stated he is hearing about car pooling and riding bicycles to help traffic flow, based upon what little the Council has done so far. Mayor Thompson noted that Council should not lose sight of the TET AP study recommendations, such as the storage lane at Reed Ranch Road, and that these recommendations should be moved forward as fast as possible. Council noted its appreciation of Staff's efforts to date, which will make a difference to the town. The consensus of the Council was to approve the framework for public review as presented in the Staff report; authorize the funds; and request sharing of the expenses. (6) Recommendation by Heritage &Arts Commission - Appointment of Prof James Yeh.Jau Liu as Town Artist Laureate Mayor Thompson opened the public hearing; there being no comment; it was closed. MOTION: To adopt the Resolution designating Professor James Yeh-Jau Liu as the Town of Tiburon Artist Laureate. Bach, Seconded by Slavitz AYES: Unanimous Moved: Vote: (7) Recommendation by Traffic Safety Committee - Installation of Stop Signs at Hawthorne Drive and Rock Hill Road ,,-.. Police Chief Odetto reviewed the Staff report. In response to questions, he stated that no objections were received from neighbors who had been appropriately noticed. Also, traffic from S1. Hillary's is a distance away and would not affect this intersection. MOTION: To approve the Resolution authorizing the installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Hawthorne Drive and Rock Hill Drive Slavitz, Seconded by Bach AYES: Unanimous Moved: Vote: WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Town Council Weekly Digest-August 17, 2001 Town Council Weekly Digest - August 24, 2001 Town Council Weekly Digest - August 31, 2001 It was noted that September's MCCMC will be held the night of the Council meeting. The Mayor will attend the Marin Economic Commission meeting. Concerns of the Bel Aire resident Wayne Snow are being addressed. - Town Council Minutes #23.2001 September 5,2001 Page 6 ,- ADJO~NT ,,-.. ,- , There being no further business before the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon, Mayor Thompson adjourned the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m" sine die. Am~' DIANE CRANE !AtoP!, TO CLERK Town Council Minutes #23-2001 September 5, 2001 , MAYOR Page 7