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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTC Min 1992-06-29 TOWN COUNCIL I""' ~ MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Mayor Kuhn called the adjourned meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Tiburon to order at 7:35 p.m., Monday, June 29, 1992, in Room 5, Del Mar School, Tiburon, California. A. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Nygren, Friedman, Thayer, Thompson, Kuhn ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None EX OFFICIO: Town Manager Kleinert, Town Attorney Ewing, Town Engineer Bala, Supt. of Public Works Iacopi, Planning Director Lohman, Finance Director Stranzl, Police Chief Herley, Police Captain Lewis, Minute Clerk Kearney. B. PUBLIC OUESTIONS AND COMMENTS [' None. C. CONSENT CALENDAR Motion: To approve the Consent Calendar consisting of the following item: 1. ROBERTI-Z'BERG-HARRIS URBAN OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION (Request for $3,000 in Matching Funds for "Secret Garden" Project _ Resolution) Moved: Vote: Friedman, Seconded by Thompson AYES: Unanimous D. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. 1992-93 TOWN BUDGET a. Continued Review of Capital Improvement Program f' The Town Manager noted that discussions regarding the Capital Improvement Program were continued from the last meeting of June 17, 1992; therefore, discussion continued on the remaining nine items. TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #948 6/29/92 1 r- ~ Regarding Item #10, the Pedestrian Walkway Stairs Repair at Reed Ranch Road to Jefferson Drive, the Town Manager reported that the stairs have been closed as per Town Council direction at the last meeting because of liability concerns; however, he noted that many letters have been received requesting the stairs be repaired and not be closed permanently. The Town Engineer added that it would cost approximately $24,000 to replace the stairs completely, and $14,000 to repair the existing stairs. Councilmember Thompson reported that he met with the Reedlands Property Owners Assn. President, walked the area and spoke with many of the neighbors who all indicated the stairs are used regularly and urged they not be closed. He recommended the broken stairs be repaired until such time as a full replacement can be afforded by the Town. The Town Engineer assured the Town Council that the proposed repair would make the stairs safe, but they should remain closed until that work is completed. Mayor Kuhn opened the public hearing; and upon hearing no comments, closed the public hearing. It was the consensus of the Town Council to approve this item in the amount of $14,000. [' Regarding Item #6, Mar West Flood Plain Improvements, the Town Manager reported that since recent drainage improvements in the area, flooding has not been a problem in this vicinity; therefore, there has not been a need for flood plain imp~ovements. However, the funding of $94,000 previously provided by Innisfree, the developer, is being proposed to complete drainage, curb and gutter, landscaping and walkway improvements along that portion of Mar West. Councilmember Nygren questioned whether the Development Agreement with Innisfree allowed the funds to be used for these purposes and stated that this work would be premature since it is not yet known what the Tiburon Peninsula Club plans for their improvements and what the County will propose for the new Library. Councilmember Thayer agreed that this work should not be funded until the legal questions are resolved and that it should be coordinated with the TPC and County Library plans. Further, he added that some of these funds may be needed for the marsh restoration, and the Town Attorney was requested to research this as well. The Town Council agreed to remove this item from the budget; directed staff to coordinate efforts with the TPC and County Library; and directed the Town Engineer and Town Attorney to meet with Innisfree representatives to determine whether these monies can be used for the proposed purposes, including marsh restoration, and report back to the Town Council at the July 15th meeting. Mayor Kuhn opened the public hearing. " Becky Clelland, 1685 Mar West, stated that if it is determined the funds can be used for other improvements to the Mar West area, that they be used for such items as a signal at Mar West and Tiburon Blvd. She added that the proposed bike path improvements TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #948 6/29/92 2 r- - are not needed and that trimming the bushes along the existing path would be adequate; and urged the Town wait until it is known what the TPC and County Library plans for their improvements. Katie Bruel, Belveron, suggested the $45,000 of gas tax monies budgeted for Mar West improvements in FY 96/97 be moved to supplement the Flood Plain fund; and Mayor Kuhn responded that the Town Council will consider this. Mayor Kuhn closed the public hearing. After discussion, the Town Council directed the Town Engineer to define the flood plain area and determine the feasibility of covering the existing ditch in front of the office building across from the Library site. A decision regarding Item #11, Railroad Marsh Maintenance ($25,000), was postponed until after the report is received regarding the flood plain funds. Regarding Item #12, Richardson Bay Lineal Park repair of jogging path ($31,000), the Town Manager reported that it is an opportune time to coordinate this work with the work being completed by the Sanitary District. Mayor Kuhn opened the public hearing; and upon hearing no comments, closed the public hearing. [' It was the consensus of the Town Council to approve this item. Item #14, Richardson Bay Lineal Park weed and debris clean-up from San Rafael Ave. to the Belvedere Corp. Yard ($3,700), was deleted from the budget after it was reported that CaIfTrans has agreed to perform this work on a one-time basis. The Town Manager indicated that the on-going maintenance will be funded through the park maintenance program. Regarding Item #15, RUSD/Town/Hilarita (RTH) Master Plan site planning and traffic circulation ($12,500), Mayor Kuhn recommended postponing this item until after the Standing Committee has made a decision regarding the new Town Center architect. Vice-Mayor Friedman and Councilmember Nygren both expressed doubt that a master plan of this site is necessary at this time since the other entities involved have not agreed to do so or to share in the expense, and since the Town's selected architect will include master planning this area in their new Town Center plans. Mayor Kuhn expressed concern regarding the Town's liability associated with the access road in front of Town Hall and requested the Town Attorney prepare a legal opinion regarding such. " It was the consensus of the Town Council to remove this item from the budget. TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #948 6/29/92 3 r- ~ The Town Attorney informed the Council that the School District has postponed their expansion plans for Reed School until at least Christmas 1992 because of the State's impending budget cuts and will instead be installing temporary trailers for their needed additional space. Regarding Item # 16, Shoreline Park replacement and repair of lighting system ($20,000), the Town Manager reported that the Design Review Board is currently reviewing different design options for the lighting. Mayor Kuhn opened the public hearing. Al Kirschbaum, 40 Juno Road, questioned the need for special lighting in this area; and the Town Manager responded there are no street lights. Mayor Kuhn closed the public hearing, It was the consensus of the Town Council to approve this item. Regarding Item #17, South of Knoll & Belveron Park areas playground equipment replacement (private grant $10,000, Town to match $15,000), the Town Manager reported that the unsafe play equipment has been removed and the private grant agreement is in the process of being formalized. It was noted that this allocation will only replace the unsafe equipment that was removed. ~ Councilmember Nygren recognized the amount of time and effort the Parents' Committee has contributed towards this effort. It was the consensus of the Town Council to approve this item. Regarding Item #3, Community Survey/Newsletter ($7,500), Councilmember Thompson reviewed the various options and price quotations for distributing a two-color newsletter twice a year. Councilmember Nygren questioned whether the Town could legally sell advertising space in the newsletter to assist in paying the printing and mailing expenses, and the Town Attorney was directed to research this matter. Mayor Kuhn opened the public hearing. Katie Bruel, Belveron, suggested the Town Council use only one color to cut costs and hoped the newsletter distribution would not be limited to twice a year, but anytime the need arises. Mayor Kuhn closed the public hearing. " It was the consensus of the Town Council to approve this item. TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #948 6/29/92 4 b. Departmental Operating Budgets -- ~ Mayor Kuhn suggested the Town Council review the management report for detailed discussion at the July 15th regular meeting as submitted by the Town's auditors, Coopers & Lybrand. He also requested representatives from Coopers & Lybrand be present to answer questions. The Finance Director gave an overview of the proposed General Fund Operating Budget and stated the appropriation for FY 1992-93 is approximately 2% greater than the final bperating budget appropriation for FY 1991-92, and 4.8% greater than estimated final FY 1991-92 expenditures. He stated the significant changes include an increase in employer PERS retirement costs and worker's compensation costs. Town Council The Finance Director reviewed the Town Council department budget and stated no changes were proposed from last fiscal year. t' Mayor Kuhn encouraged the other Councilmembers to attend relevant seminars and conferences when appropriate and questioned whether $6,000 was adequate to fund attendance at these various functions. The Town Manager responded that this amount is barely adequate to fund these programs and may need to be increased. Therefore, the Town Council agreed to approve this budget as is, but to recognize that. it may be necessary to increase this amount in the future. Town Attorney The Town Attorney reviewed his department's budget and stated the proposed appropriation is approximately 7% less than authorized in FY 1991-92 primarily due to a siight reduction in overall litigation costs. It was the consensus of the Town Council to approve this budget proposal. Town Manager ~ The Finance Director stated this budget appropriation is nearly equal to FY 1991-92 and he reviewed the contractual services budget, maintenance contracts budget and reserve for unprogrammed expenditures. The Town Manager noted that the statement from the County for last Spring's election was recently received and totalled $11,000 and is based on the number of registered voters within the Town. Council discussed the possibility of moving all elections to November and coordinating upcoming potential bond issues to save on election costs. The Town Manager was requested to contact Nancy Knoble of the Committee to Save Old St. Hilary's Open Space to determine when the Committee intends to place the open space issue on the ballot. The Town Council agreed to include $11,000 in the budget for election expenses. Council also discussed the inclusion of funding for employee recognition and directed Staff to provide a proposal at the next regular meeting. TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #948 6/29/92 5 Planning and Building -- ~ The Planning Director reviewed his Department's budget and noted a decrease in total expenditures from the previous year due to reduced contractual services for building inspection and noticing services which are now performed in-house. Council discussed the increased medical insurance costs for FY 92/93 and it was noted that this is due to the added full-time position of Building Inspector and increased benefit packages negotiated with the MAPE union employees last year. Mayor Kuhn requested that all equipment purchases be compatible with the current equipment, and it was noted that $14,000 was omitted from the plan/file storage system line item for microfilming expenses. It was the consensus of the Town Council to include this amount in the budget. The Town Manager reported that the Planning Department has been collecting fees since 1987 for microfilming expenses. Frank Shaw, former Councilmember, suggested Staff consider new technology in microfilming that can be integrated directly into a computer. Heritage & Arts Commission t'. The Town Manager reported that $6,000 is being proposed for the Heritage & Arts Commission for the purpose of acquiring public art, subject to review by the Town Council. It was the consensus of the Town Council to approve this item. Police Department The Police Chief reviewed his department's proposed budget which indicates a 9% increase from last fiscal year due to increased benefits provided in the labor contract and increased fees for special services. The budget also provides for the purchase of two new police vehicles, new radio equipment and new computer equipment. Mayor Kuhn requested a status report be submitted regarding the Emergency Operations Center and the Police and Public Works' ability to respond in an emergency. The Town Manager responded that a table top exercise is scheduled for this Fall and a status report will be placed on the agenda after completion of that exercise. Councilmember Nygren questioned the need for two additional police vehicles, and the Police Chief responded that the proposed purchase of two new vehicles is to replace two worn out vehicles. ~ Nicky Wolf, Greenwood Beach Road, suggested the Police Chief, Captain and detectives use their private cars and be reimbursed for business mileage instead of maintaining additional police vehicles. The Police Chief responded that personal cars cannot be fitted for radios and other necessary equipment and would not be appropriate for responding to emergencies. TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #948 6/29/92 .6 r I Councilmember Thompson requested he be provided with an inventory of current police vehicles. There was discussion regarding ways to recover fees for overtime required by police officers who must appear in court to testify regarding tickets that are being challenged. The Police Chief responded that people have a right to challenge tickets in court and the police could not charge them for that right; however, the Town does send a statement for services to those accused of drunk driving and is currently considering other options for cost recovery and will be forwarding a proposal to the Council in the near future. RD. Cooke, resident, questioned whether the police have considered giving warning tickets instead of issuing citations and keeping a record, to cut costs for court time; and the Police Chief responded that the administrative costs would be too great. Frank Shaw spoke in support of the Police Department, stated they are underpaid and stated consideration should not be given to cutting equipment costs. The Town Manager reported that a meeting was held with Mr. Cooke regarding consolidating police services and changing the level of services provided in the community in the future. Public Works ~ The Superintendent of Public Works reported that the Public Works Department is now prepared for emergencies. He noted a reduction in total expenditures is being proposed from last fiscal year due to a reduction in contractual services; noted increases in water costs, stating that within two years the Town will not be able to afford irrigation of its parks; and added that the Town is using as much reclaimed water as possible. He also added that all vehicles, including the backhoe and loader, are equipped with fire extinguishers and first aid kits, all Public Works employees are trained for first aid and CPR, and their radios are on the police band. Parks Again, the Superintendent of Public Works stated that utilities are the main expense and contractual services will be eliminated. After discussion regarding increased water costs, it was noted that MMWD will be re- evaluating its pricing system which will necessitate an adjustment in the proposed water budget. ~ Councilmember Nygren suggested the Supt. of Public Works contact the Richardson Bay Sanitary District regarding increasing reclaimed water usage for parks. TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #948 6/29/92 7 Town Commissions r' - There was no discussion regarding this item. Open Space Acqpisition Program There was no discussion regarding this item. The Town Manager stated that some of these items will have to be reconsidered after the State makes a decision regarding its prospective funding cuts to the cities. E. COUNCIL. COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORTS None. F. COMMUNICATIONS None. G. STAFF AND TOWN MANAGER REPORTS None. ~ H. . AD.TOURNMENT There being no further business before the Town Council of the Town of Tijmron, Mayor Kuhn adjourned the meeting at 11:05 p.m., to the regular meeting of July 1, 1992, at 7:30 p.m. ALVIN R. KUHN, MAYOR ATTEST: ~,~, ~w~ THERESE M. ENNESSY, TOW L"ERK ~ TOWN COUNCIL MINUTES #948 6/29/92 8