MINUTES OF REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE BELMONT CITY COUNCIL AND BELMONT FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS, October 11, 2022 CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM
ROLL CALL:
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Lieberman, Stone, Hurt, McCune, Mates COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Mary Morrissey Parden
REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Rennie stated that a closed session was not held this evening.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Fire Prevention Week Proclamation
Mayor Mates read the proclamation.
Fire Marshal Martin, San Mateo Consolidated thanked the Council for recognizing Fire Prevention. He outlined resources available to the public for fire prevention and safety.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Mary Morrissey Parden commented on the Water Dog Run.
Max Reinhardt commented on a vacant parcel on Alhambra Drive.
COUNCILMEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Lieberman stated that with the aide of Congresswoman Spierer Belmont was awarded a five hundred thousand grant for fire prevention.
Mayor Mates added that the grant monies will be shared with San Bruno, Filoli and Peninsula Open Space. She thanked the sponsors and participants for a successful Water Dog Run Event. She invited the community to a Placemaking Guidelines Meeting. She announced the mailing of the election ballots, she also announced the upcoming Mental Health Symposium.
Councilmember Hurt announced recycling events at the ReThink Waste.
CONSENT BUSINESS
Resolution 2022- 097 finding that the COVID-19 statewide emergency remains in effect and that state and local officials continue to recommend measures to promote social distancing and directing the Council’s Citizen Advisory Bodies to make consistent findings Approval Minutes Of Special and Regular Meeting May 24, 2022 Special and Regular Meeting June 14, 2022 Minutes of Special Meeting June 21, 2022 Resolution 2022- 098 authorizing the City Manager to execute a 3-year renewal of the rental agreement with the City of Redwood City for the use of its firearms training facility Resolution 2022-099 updating the City’s Conflict of Interest Code to account for the addition, deletion, and modification of positions listed as “designated employees” Received an update on the 2022 Strategic Plan Objectives and Projects ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember McCune and seconded by Councilmember Hurt the Consent Business was approved by a roll call vote (4-1 Councilmember Stone experienced technical issues).
PUBLIC HEARINGS (none)
GENERAL BUSINESS
Ralston Avenue Adaptive Traffic Control Technology Project Update Public Works Director Brown made a presentation on the history of the project and functionality of the newly installed traffic controls. He noted that the system utilizes artificial intelligence and is based on volume demand providing precedence to real travel time. He noted that the goal of the project amongst others is to reduce congestion, improve access to school and work and reduce pollution and GHG’s by decreasing vehicle engine run time.
Public Comment
Michael Craig commented on traffic at Old County Road (OCR) and Road.
Mr. Brown stated that a construction of dedicated left turn pocket at southbound OCR and Ralston and the adaptive signal technology are planned for the area.
Council discussion ensued; the item was informational, and no action taken.
Citywide Pavement Condition Report Update
Public Works Director Brown provided the biannual Pavement Management Program (PMP) required by the Metropolitan Traffic Control (MTC) for eligibility of local grant monies. He outlined Belmont owned and maintained streets. He provided an overview of the citywide pavement condition and noted that the asset replacement value is $213.8 million. He outlined the 5-year pavement plan and funding scenarios. Mr. Brown stated that Measure I monies provide significant PCI improvements.
Public Comment
Written correspondence received from Tim Strinden on this item.
Council discussion ensued; no action taken.
Amended Services Agreement with WRA, Inc. and Additional Budget Authorization Parks and Recreation Director Shearer requested Council authorization for the City Manage to negotiate an agreement with WRA, Inc the City’s Open Space Management Consultant to advance the Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan (PROS). She explained that an initial study which details analysis of which recommendations of the PROS Plan are and are not addressed under the City’s previous CEQA analysis addressed in the 2017 General Plan update. Areas not addressed would require further environmental review and WRA would recommend which form that review, and final document should take. She noted that the Initial Study, is expected to take 3-6 months to complete and recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate a proposal with WRA, Inc.
Council discussion ensued. City Attorney Rennie clarified Council questions stating that proposed initial plan will examine environmental effects and will not address policy. He stated that the initial study examines areas previously studied and determine whether the thresholds for further environmental review are met and study what additional review may be required. He further explained that in this scenario the CEQA analysis may provide information to help inform decisions on policy.
Public Comment
Written Correspondence received on this item.
ACTION: On a motion made by Councilmember Hurt and seconded by Councilmember McCune Resolution 2022-100 (1) authorizing the City Manager to negotiate a contract amendment with WRA, Inc., for services related to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan (Plan)in the additional amount of $82,500 ($75,000 plus a 10% contingency), for a total not-to-exceed amount of $231,220 and (2) authorizing a supplemental budget appropriation of $74,250 from the Open Space Fund’s fund balance and a transfer of $8,250 from the Belmont Fire Protection District Fund to the Open Space Management Plan Project #8096 for this purpose was unanimously approved by a roll call vote (5-0).
BRIEF VERBAL REPORTS FROM MEMBERS AND STAFF
Verbal report from Councilmembers on Intergovernmental (IGR) and Subcommittee Assignments Councilmembers reported on their IGR assignments.
Verbal report from City Manager
City Manager Oskoui thanked City Departments involved with the Water Dog Run event. He invited the public to the various upcoming Halloween events. He invited the community to an upcoming Belmont Talks presentation on Belmont schools.
MATTERS OF INTEREST/CLARIFICATION
Regulating And Banning The Sale Of Flavored Tobacco And Electronic Smoking Devices Councilmembers Hurt and Stone request Council consideration of an ordinance regulating the sale of flavored tobacco and electronic devices, reducing access to products that have public health implications especially to the youth demographic.
Public Comment
Tricia Barr commented in support of a Belmont ordinance banning the sale of flavored tobacco and electronic smoking devices.
Council discussion ensued regarding the structure of the ordinance and relation to other state and local regulations.
Councilmember McCune suggested an exception to stop smoking aides.
Council concurred to direct the Council subcommittee of Hurt and Stone to move forward with drafting a draft ordinance.
ADJOURNMENT at this time being 8:50 pm
Jozi Plut
City Clerk
Combined Agency Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2022