Regular Meeting eSummary
July 10,
2007

Printer-friendly PDF* summary: (46 KB)

 

Click on the linked agenda item titles below for background materials/reports. Adopted Resolutions and Ordinances (second reading) are available via Records Online (http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=4222) as soon as they are finalized.

Note: 

  • Resolutions and Ordinances are subject to amendment, rescission or repeal, or readoption in whole or in part. Additional research may be necessary to verify the completeness of the legislative history. To research the Berkeley Municipal Code, visit: http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=7134

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summary-minutes

Berkeley City Council meeting

TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2007

 

Council Chambers – 2134 Martin Luther King Jr. Way

Teleconference Location – 1636 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA

Preliminary Matters

Roll Call:  7:00 p.m.  All present.

Ceremonial Matters: None

Public Comment on Consent Calendar Items Only – None

Consent Calendar

Action: M/S/C (Maio/Anderson) to adopt Consent Calendar in one motion except as indicated (1) moved Item 26 Sewer Service Fees from Action Calendar to Consent Calendar (no public hearing required) (2) moved Item 33 League of California Cities Annual conference voting delegates from Action Calendar to Consent Calendar:

1.   FY 2008 Annual Appropriations Ordinance (PDF, 225 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt second reading of an Ordinance 6,987–N.S. setting the FY 2008 Annual Appropriations.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Tracy Vesely, Budget Manager, 981-7000

Action:  Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 6,987–N.S. (PDF, 618 KB)  Effective date August 9, 2007.

2.   FY 2008 Tax Rate: Emergency Services for the Severely Disabled (PDF, 190 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt second reading of an Ordinance 6,988-N.S setting the FY 2008 tax rate for the provision of emergency services for the disabled at $0.01086 (1.086 cents) per square foot of taxable improvements.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Robert Hicks, Finance, 981-7300

Action:  Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 6,988–N.S. (PDF, 45 KB)  Effective date August 9, 2007.

3.   FY 2008 Tax Rate: Fire Seismic General Obligation Bonds-Election of 1992 (Measure G, 2002 and 2007 General Obligation Refunding Bonds) (PDF, 190 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt second reading of an Ordinance 6,989-N.S setting the FY 2008 tax rate for Fire Seismic General Obligation Bonds (Measure G, 2002 and 2007 General Obligation Refunding Bonds at 0.0160%.

Financial Implications: Fire Seismic Debt Service Fund - $1,867,429 revenue

Contact: Robert Hicks, Finance, 981-7300

Action:  Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 6,989–N.S.  (PDF, 49 KB)  Effective date August 9, 2007.

4.   Levying a Special Tax for Fiscal Year 2008 to Fund the Provision of Library Services (PDF, 244 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt second reading of an Ordinance 6,990-N.S setting the FY 2008 tax rate for the Library Services Tax at $0.1504 (15.04 cents) per square foot for dwelling units and $0.2276 (22.76 cents) per square foot for industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings.

Financial Implications: Library Tax - $13,209,469 revenue

Contact: Robert Hicks, Finance, 981-7300

Action:  Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 6,990–N.S. (PDF, 47 KB)  Effective date August 9, 2007.

5.   FY 2008 Tax Rate: Disaster Fire Protection (Measure Q) (PDF, 190 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt second reading of an Ordinance 6,991-N.S setting the FY 2008 tax rate for the procurement of disaster fire equipment at $0.0125 (1.25 cents) per square foot of taxable improvements.

Financial Implications: Disaster Fire Protection-Measure Q - $998,742 revenue

Contact: Robert Hicks, Finance, 981-7300

Action:  Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 6,991–N.S. (PDF, 47 KB)  Effective date August 9, 2007.

6.   FY 2008 Tax Rate: Fund the Maintenance of Parks, City Trees and Landscaping (PDF, 190 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt second reading of an Ordinance 6,992-N.S setting the FY 2008 tax rate for funding all improvements for the maintenance of parks, City trees, and landscaping in the City of Berkeley at $0.1078 (10.78 cents) per square foot.

Financial Implications: Park Tax Fund - $8,240,205 revenue

Contact: Robert Hicks, Finance, 981-7300

Action:  Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 6,992–N.S. (PDF, 52 KB)  Effective date August 9, 2007.

7.   FY 2008 Tax Rate: Measure S General Obligation Bonds-Election of 1996 (2007 Refunding Bonds) (PDF, 190 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt second reading of an Ordinance 6,993-N.S setting the FY 2008 tax rate for the Measure S General Obligation Bonds (Election of 1996, 2007 Refunding Bonds) at 0.029%.

Financial Implications: Measure S Debt Service Fund - $3,405,532 revenue

Contact: Robert Hicks, Finance, 981-7300

Action:  Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 6,993–N.S. (PDF, 50 KB)  Effective date August 9, 2007.

8.   FY 2008 Tax Rate to Fund the Provision of Emergency Medical Services (PDF, 190 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt second reading of an Ordinance 6,994-N.S setting a special tax rate of $0.02872 per square foot of taxable improvements to fund the provision of emergency medical services to Berkeley residents.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Robert Hicks, Finance, 981-7300

Action:  Adopted second reading of Ordinance No. 6,994–N.S.  (PDF, 45 KB)  Effective date August 9, 2007.

9.   Contract: Downtown Berkeley YMCA (PDF, 260 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract and any amendments with the Downtown Berkeley YMCA in the amount of $254,448 for fitness center memberships for City employees for the period July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.

Financial Implications: Payroll Deduction Trust Fund - $254,448

Contact: Tracy Vesely, Budget Manager, 981-7000

Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 63,762–N.S. (PDF, 45 KB)

10. Assessment:  Elmwood Theater Business Improvement Area (PDF, 292 KB)

From: Elmwood Advisory Board

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution:

1)     Approving the Annual Assessment Report for the Elmwood Theater Business Improvement Area for Fiscal Year 2007;

2)     Declaring an intention to levy annual assessments in the Improvement Area for Fiscal Year 2008; and

3)     Setting a public hearing on the levy of assessments for July 31, 2007.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Michael Caplan, Economic Development, 981-7530

Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 63,763–N.S. (PDF, 119 KB)

11. Claim Settlement: Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company (PDF, 193 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the settlement of a public liability Claim No. GHB 011902 filed by claimant Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company in the amount of $59,477.

Financial Implications: Public Liability Fund - $59,477

Contact: Manuela Albuquerque, City Attorney, 981-6950

Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 63,764 –N.S. (PDF, 43 KB)

12. Formal Bid Solicitation and Request for Proposal Scheduled For Possible Issuance in the Next 30 Days (PDF, 266 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Approve the attached new invitation for bid/request for proposal that will be, or is planned to be, issued in the next 30 days upon final approval by the requesting department or division.

Financial Implications: Various funds - $4,074,000

Contact: Robert Hicks, Finance, 981-7300

Action:  Approved recommendation.

13. Contract Amendment: Innovative Technologies (PDF, 267 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an amendment to the contract with Innovative Technologies Inc. increasing the amount by $13,625 to cover additional work on the contract negotiations for the City of Berkeley's new public safety computer system, for a total amount not to exceed $113,625.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Chris Mead, Information Technology, 981-6500

Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 63,765–N.S. (PDF, 40 KB)

14. Amendment Of BMC – Condominium Conversion (PDF, 242 KB)

a. From: City Manager

Recommendation: That the Berkeley City Council adopt a first reading of an ordinance amending Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) Section 21.28.065.B.1 to clarify that the affordable housing mitigation fee cap of 12.5% of unit sales prices applies to both vacant and tenant occupied units within a building, if the owner agrees to the specified long-term limit on rent increases for all current tenants within that building at the time of conversion.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Dan Marks, Planning and Development, 981-7400

Action:  Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 6,995–N.S.  Second reading scheduled for July 17, 2007.

15. Grant Applications to the California Integrated Waste Management Board (PDF, 263 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing staff to apply for all grants available from the California Integrated Waste Management Board for used oil recycling and household hazardous waste programs.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Dan Marks, Planning and Development, 981-7400

Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 63,766–N.S. (PDF, 86 KB)

16. License Agreement and Revenue Contract:  Food Waste Collection and Hauling (PDF, 261 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a license agreement and revenue contract with Norcal Waste Services of Alameda County ("Norcal") for food waste collection and hauling with a contract term from July 10, 2007 through December 31, 2008.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Claudette Ford, Public Works, 981-6300

Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 63,767–N.S. (PDF, 40 KB)

17. Use of Permeable Surfaces on City Projects (PDF, 258 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution:

1)     Revising City of Berkeley parking and driveway standards to provide for use of permeable surfaces according to Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association and Alameda County Clean Water Program C3 technical guidelines; and

2)     Encouraging the use of these standards for commercial and residential driveways and private parking spaces that require City permits.

Financial Implications: Unknown

Contact: Claudette Ford, Public Works, 981-6300

Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 63,768–N.S. (PDF, 56 KB)

18. Contract Amendment:  Recycling Services (PDF, 78 KB) (To be delivered)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution amending Contract No.  2146D with the Berkeley Ecology Center increasing the contract by $2,076,222 in FY 2008 and extending the contract term to June 30, 2008, for a total contract amount not to exceed $5,186,166 for Fiscal Years 2006 through 2008.

Financial Implications: Refuse Fund - $2,076,222

Contact: Claudette Ford, Public Works, 981-6300

Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 63,769–N.S. (PDF, 55 KB)

19. Purchase Order:  Telephone Directory Advertising for Refuse and Recycling Services (PDF, 267 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchase order with AT&T Smart Yellow Pages in an amount not to exceed $31,494 for FY 2008, to advertise the City's refuse collection and recycling services.

Financial Implications: Various Funds - $31,494

Contact: Claudette Ford, Public Works, 981-6300

Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 63,770–N.S. (PDF, 40 KB)

20. Contract Amendment:  Buyback and Drop-Off Operations at the Solid Waste Management Center (PDF, 259 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution amending Contract No. 6856 with Community Conservation Center to operate the buyback and drop-off program at the Solid Waste Management Center and extending the contract term one year to June 30, 2008 for a total amount not to exceed $450,000 for FY 2008.

Financial Implications: Refuse Fund - $450,000

Contact: Claudette Ford, Public Works, 981-6300

Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 63,771–N.S. (PDF, 47 KB)

21. Purchase Order:  Fuel for City Vehicles (PDF, 259 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to purchase fuel from Golden Gate Petroleum for City vehicles in an amount not to exceed $1,400,000 for FY 2007, and in an amount not to exceed $750,000 for the first six months of FY 2008.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Claudette Ford, Public Works, 981-6300

Action:  Adopted Resolution No. 63,772–N.S. (PDF, 46 KB)

Council Consent Items

22. Amend B.M.C. Section 21.28.050 To Prohibit Condominium Conversion For No-Fault Evictions (PDF, 577 KB)

From: Councilmember Worthington

Recommendation: That the Berkeley City Council adopt a first reading of an ordinance amending Berkeley Municipal Code (B.M.C.) Section 21.28.050 to prohibit condominium conversion for ten years for no-fault evictions and make clarifying amendments to existing language.

Financial Implications: None

Contact: Kriss Worthington, Councilmember, District 7, 981-7170

Action:  Adopted first reading of Ordinance No. 6,996–N.S.  Second reading scheduled for July 17, 2007.

Action Calendar – Public Hearings

23. LPC Appeal: 2727 Milvia Street – Berkeley Iceland

a. From: City Manager (PDF, 5 MB)

Recommendation: Conduct a Public Hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution modifying the decision of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) to designate 2727 Milvia Street, Berkeley Iceland, a City of Berkeley Landmark with respect to the “features to be preserved” as stated in the Notice of Decision dated April 5, 2007: deleting “the packed earth berms on the north and south sides” as “features to be preserved”

Financial Implications: None

b. Appeal

1.      Richard Zamboni (PDF, 4 MB)

c. Communications

1.      Tom Killilea, Save Berkeley Iceland (PDF, 7 MB)

Contact: Dan Marks, Planning and Development, 981-7400

Public Testimony: The Mayor opened the public hearing. 41 speakers.  M/S/C (Anderson/Moore) to close the public hearing.

Action: M/S/C (Anderson/Maio) to continue deliberation and action to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 17, 2007.

RECESS 8:51 – 9:05 p.m. Worthington absent.

PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS 24 THROUGH 30 COMBINED. Mayor Bates opened the hearings.  There were no speakers.  M/S/C (Moore/Maio) to close the public hearings.  M/S/C (Maio/Wozniak) to approve recommendations.  Absent – Worthington.

24. Rental Housing Safety Program: Administrative Lien Fee (PDF, 293 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution to increase the administrative lien fee charged to residential rental property owners who are delinquent in paying Rental Housing Safety Program fees from $75 to $125 for each delinquent account.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Lisa Caronna, Housing, 981-5400

Action: Resolution No. 63,773–N.S. (PDF, 43 KB)

25. Fees:  Increases and Additions - Planning and Development Master Fee Schedule (PDF, 262 KB)

      Supplemental Material (PDF, 20 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion adopt a Resolution:

1).  Establishing the fee schedule for the Permit Service Center for development related services provided by the Planning and Development Department, and

2).  Rescinding Resolution No. 63,323–N.S.

3).  Establishing new fees for subsurface tiebacks in the public right-of-way.

4).  Revising creek fees to conform to the new permit categories under the Creeks Ordinance, Ordinance 6,956–N.S.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Dan Marks, Planning and Development, 981-7400

Action: Resolution No. 63,774–N.S. (PDF, 14 MB)

26. Sewer Service Fees (PDF, 272 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution amending Resolution 63,356–N.S. to clarify that the sewer service fee rate established thereby does not terminate by its own terms as of June 30, 2007.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Claudette Ford, Public Works, 981-63003

Action: Moved to Consent Calendar and adopted Resolution No. 63,775–N.S. (PDF, 234 KB)

27. Small Animal Adoption Fee Increases (PDF, 255 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution increasing adoption fees for rabbits, poultry, small rodents, birds and exotic animals, and rescinding Resolution No. 62,538-N.S

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: Jim Hynes, Office of the City Manager, 981-7000

Action: Resolution No. 63,776–N.S. (PDF, 31 KB)

28. Marina Fee Increases for Fiscal Year 2008 (PDF, 237 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Conduct a Public Hearing and upon conclusion adopt a Resolution:

1)     Increasing berth fees by 5%;

2)     Increasing selected service fees by up to 10%;

3)     Increasing the Chain fee by 100%;

4)     Establish one new fee (Event parking fee); and

5)     Increasing Nature Center/Adventure Playground fees by 5%, for Fiscal Year 2008, and rescinding Resolution No. 63,354–N.S. and all amendatory Resolutions.

Financial Implications: See report

Contact: William Rogers, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, 981-6700

Action: Resolution No. 63,777–N.S. (PDF, 66 KB)

29. Fees:  Parks and Recreation Programs and Facilities for FY 2008/2009 (PDF, 340 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution:

1)   Approving new fees for parks and recreation programs and facilities in FY08/09 by:  a) increasing fees over $33 by 1.5%; b) increasing selected user fees by .50¢; c) increasing fees between $23 and $33 by $1; d) establishing fees for the new skate park program);

2)   Authorizing the Director of the Parks Recreation & Waterfront Department to establish fees for new programs initiated throughout the year, not to exceed $250 per person per program; and 3) rescinding Resolution No. 62,950-N.S. and 63,216-N.S. and all amendatory Resolutions. 

Financial Implications: Revenue of $81,000 in FY2008 and $92,950 in FY2009

Contact: William Rogers, Parks, Recreation and Waterfront, 981-6700

Action: Resolution No. 63,778–N.S. (PDF, 373 KB)

30. Refuse Fees: Transfer Station Rate Increases FY 2008 (PDF, 276 KB)

From: City Manager

Recommendation: Conduct a Public Hearing, and upon conclusion, adopt a Resolution amending Resolution No. 62,952-N.S. and all amending resolutions, effective July 1, 2007, to adjust rates for Transfer Station and special services fees, set forth in Sections 21 and 22 of the Resolution.

Financial Implications: Refuse Fund - Approximately $750,000 revenue

Contact: Claudette Ford, Public Works, 981-6300

Action: Resolution No. 63,779–N.S. (PDF, 62 KB)

WORTHINGTON PRESENT

RECESS 10:10 – 10:18 P.M.  Councilmembers Wozniak and Capitelli recused on Item No. 31

Action Calendar – Old Business

31.            ZAB Appeal: 2629-2635 Ashby Ave - Wright's Garage (Carried over from June 12, 2007.  Motion to set date for hearing failed.  No action taken.  If council fails to act within 30 days (by July 10, 2007 meeting), the decision of the Zoning Adjustments Board will be approved by operation of law.  BMC 23B.32.060)

a. From: City Manager (PDF, 14 KB)

Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution affirming the decision of the Zoning Adjustment Board to approve Use Permit No. 06-10000098 to convert an existing three-unit commercial building (The Wright's Garage Building) into a 4 to 7 unit commercial building; and to change uses to one restaurant, one exercise/dance study, and up to 5 retail spaces, and dismissing the appeal.

Financial Implications: None

Contact: Dan Marks, Planning and Development, 981-7400

b. Appeal

1.      Elmwood Merchants Association

2.      Elmwood Neighborhood Association

c. Communications (PDF, 2 MB) (after June 26,2007)

1.      Noelle Duncan and Kevin Kelleher

2.      Henry Siegel

3.      Lee Jester

4.      Judith Epstein

5.      Harry Pollack

6.      Teddy Milder

7. Janice and Lanny Weingrod

8. Manuela Albuquerque, City Attorney

d.   From: Councilmember Worthington (PDF, 30 KB) (June 26, 2007)

Recommendation: To set the matter for a public hearing or remand the project to the Zoning Adjustments Board.

Financial Implications: None

Contact: Kriss Worthington, Councilmember, District 7, 981-7170

Public Comment:  31

 

M/S/C (Worthington/Maio) extend meeting to 11:15 p.m. Abstain – Olds; Absent – Capitelli, Wozniak.

 

M/S/ (Worthington/Spring) substitute motion to remand back to ZAB.  Ayes – Anderson, Spring, Worthington; Noes – Maio, Moore, Bates; Abstain – Olds; Absent – Capitelli, Wozniak.

 

Action: M/S (Maio/Anderson) main motion to set a public hearing.  Ayes – Maio, Anderson, Spring, Worthington; Noes – Olds, Bates; Abstain – Moore; Absent – Capitelli, Wozniak.  The decision of the Zoning Adjustments Board is deemed approved by operation of the law.

 

Action Calendar New Business

32. Draft Ordinance Establishing Operating Standards for Alcoho